Beyond Buzzwords: Why Health Equity Saves Lives

August 11, 2025

Health Equity Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Lifeline

Let’s face it. At this point, the phrase “health equity” sounds like it should come printed on a bumper sticker or be another box to check on your list.  But here at HerHealthMD, we know it’s far more than a feel-good phrase—it’s a critical compass that guides how we should show up for every person who needs healthcare.

Imagine walking into a clinic and thinking, “Will they understand me? Will they see all of me?” 

Now imagine wondering, “Will how I’m seen affect my health? Could it be the difference between life and death?” 

That question weighs heavily on many people—especially those from marginalized communities. Whether you're Black, Latina, LGBTQ+, navigating care as an immigrant woman, or someone simply living in a certain zip code, inclusive care means you're treated as a whole person. It’s not just about feeling welcome—it’s about staying alive. Literally.

Identity Matters—And So Do Outcomes

The truth is many health outcomes are closely tied to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. While race is a social construct—more cultural than genetic—our bodies still respond to stress, bias, and systemic barriers in different ways.

Here are just a few examples:

• Black women face significantly higher risks for pregnancy complications—even if they live near a Whole Foods.

• Native American women experience elevated rates of pregnancy-related complications.

• Trans men often avoid gynecologic care due to fear of mistreatment, missing vital screenings.

• Asian populations are seeing rising rates of colon cancer—no one should have to “Burger King” their way through care.

Ignoring these intersections doesn’t just lead to awkward or impersonal care—it leads to disparities in outcomes. And those outcomes can be devastating.

Imagine how different care can be, and is, when centered around belonging, dignity, and identity?

• Patients open up

• Risks get spotted earlier

• Trust builds—and healing actually begins

Inclusive care means shifting the lens from “What’s wrong with her?” to “What’s happening in her world?” And trust me, that shift is not just compassionate—it’s proven.

Our HerHealthMD Commitment 

At HerHealthMD, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all health conversations (unless we’re talking about those cozy hospital socks with the rubber bottoms). Our mission is to:

• Champion education and empowerment

• Create spaces of safety and respect

• Identify and advocate for systemic change that uplifts every identity and story

We challenge misinformation and disinformation, recognizing that stories carry nuance beyond the latest talking point. From rural doctors to teenagers, politicians to community advocates—we highlight voices you’re not used to hearing.

And in every conversation, we ask: “What do you wish people understood to protect their health?” “What policy would you change to improve our communities?”

Bottom line…health equity can't be the latest trend. As a Black OB/GYN, a mother of two Black sons, and a health provider to girls and women of all lived experiences—this is personal.

Whether you’re a provider, a patient, or someone just tired of the same old, same old—there’s room for you in this fight.

Resources:

The Mayo Clinic on Disparities and Prevention 

ACOG on Transgender Care

Policy:

AMA on insurance coverage 

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)