In a perfect world, it would be nice if when Black women entered a medical setting, we were given what we need because it’s the right thing to do.

In a perfect world.

Unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in.

We live in a world in which Serena Williams’ symptoms of birth complications were disregarded in a hospital immediately after giving birth to her daughter.

We live in a world where Black influencer Jessica Pettway passed away of cervical cancer, a completely detectable and treatable disease, because of misdiagnosis.

We live in a world where our founder, Kayla Nixon, was told there was no way she had cancer and was diagnosed with uterine cancer two months later.

Black women have had to advocate for ourselves as long as we can remember, and although we get tired, frustrated, and even angry, we also realize we can never stop because that might just be the end of our lives.

So here we are—being our own advocates. But how do we do that?

As a public health communicator, Kayla compiled a list of nine recommended strategies that can help us navigate the healthcare system with confidence.

Margaret Thatcher famously said “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

So if anyone can advocate for themselves, it’s you, black woman. We believe in you and we’ll always be right here rooting for you to win.

Nine Strategies

Understand your rights: Learn about your rights as a patient, including the right to informed consent, access to medical records, and the right to seek a second opinion. Just because a doctor says something, that doesn’t make it true for everyone or absolute. If they are recommending a procedure or treatment, you can ask them to explain it in full verbally and in writing. If you know that your body still does not feel right and your health issue has not been resolved after your visit, you are allowed to find another provider.
Research your condition: If you’ve been given a diagnosis, gather information about your health condition on your own, including treatment options, potential side effects, and the latest research. Again, you don’t have to just accept what a provider tells you at face value.
Build relationships with healthcare providers: Find a provider who actually listens to you. Listen to your gut. You know when you feel seen and heard, and the doctor’s office should be a safe space. If you are feeling mistreated, seek out a different healthcare provider who is culturally competent and willing to listen to your concerns.
Ask questions: There are no stupid questions at the doctor’s office. They are there to answer your questions and should provide the transparency and information you need to feel safe and make informed decisions.
Keep a medical journal: Record your symptoms, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. This can be helpful when discussing your care with others or seeking a second opinion.
Document discriminatory experiences: If you experience discrimination or bias, keep a record of the incident as evidence should your issue remain unresolved or you need to file a complaint. If you believe you have been discriminated against or received substandard care, you can file a complaint with your healthcare provider's organization or a regulatory agency.
Find an advocate: Consider finding an advocate, such as a family member, friend, or healthcare advocate, who can accompany you to appointments and help you navigate the healthcare system.
Talk about it: Depending on your level of comfort sharing your health issues, it can be helpful to talk with family and friends about what’s going on. You may find that someone else has experienced what you’re experiencing or is aware of resources that can be useful to you as you navigate the healthcare system.
Advocate for yourself: If you are not satisfied with your care, you can say that. Don't be afraid to express concerns to your healthcare provider.