EmpowerHer: Women’s Health Initiative
EmpowerHer aims to provide Black women of the African diaspora and their communities with the necessary resources to lead fulfilled lives by addressing health disparities, enhancing access to healthcare, and fostering holistic well-being. Thus, our tag line: Inspiring Black Women, Amplifying Voices, Cultivating Health.
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10:00am - 5:00pm -
Boston University Trustee Ballroom
One Silber Way (1 Silber Way # 9)Boston, MA 02115 -
Contact:EmpowerHer staff
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Price:FREE
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Neighborhood:Brighton
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Event Type:
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Posted:
The EmpowerHer Black Women’s Health Conference will convene Black women and allies across multiple sectors to collectively forge a new way forward to address persistent inequities in health outcomes among Black women in Boston.
Our goal is to inform, educate, and engage Black women of the African diaspora in Boston. The conference will feature panel discussions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. Our inaugural event will start a broader women's health initiative in Greater Boston.
Black women face higher rates of death from an array of diseases. These include breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Black women also experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy than non-Black women. That is why it is vital we start this initiative by centering the health of Black women in Boston.
Registration opens this summer. Check back for updates.
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10:00am - 5:00pm
-
Boston University Trustee Ballroom
One Silber Way (1 Silber Way # 9)Boston, MA 02115 -
Contact:EmpowerHer staff
-
Price:FREE
-
Neighborhood:Brighton
-
Event Type:
-
Posted:
Conference Agenda:
Cardiometabolic Health/ Integrative Wellness
Decreasing fear of chronic disease and exploring food and culture — A Lifestyle Shift. Many Black women face a long history with cardiometabolic diseases. The session will explore how lifestyle factors impact our health. Participants will create a plan to overcome the effects of chronic diseases in Black women. The plan will show the steps needed to succeed in improving their health.
Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health
This session will discuss how race and social norms impact Black Women's health. The focus will be on their sexual, reproductive, and maternal health. We'll discuss how politics continue to create health differences in the US. We encourage these important discussions and empower individuals to speak up for themselves. We want to find solutions and promote equality in Black Women's health.
Financial Health and Wellness
One’s ability to understand and manage personal finances is crucial for achieving independence, securing a stable future, and realizing personal and professional goals. It is not just about wealth accumulation, but also about breaking free from economic constraints that limit choices and opportunities. The goal is to inspire women to take charge of their financial destinies, make informed decisions, and ultimately lead more fulfilling, prosperous lives.
The Future of Black Women’s Health: Nurturing Mental Health, Championing Advocacy and Inspiring Change
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs help balance out racial differences in health results. It gives more access to education and important roles to groups who have been left out. As Black women rise in power, they're getting caught up in a demanding work culture called "the grind." This stress can harm their health more than others. It also shows the need to help them handle these challenges. This session wants to help women make smart choices in places where they live, work, and socialize. We'll also learn how to push for better work rules that raise mental health and build strong communities for the future.
EmpowerHer Inaugural Awards:
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Dr. Rebecca Crumpler Pioneer Award: the Lead with Crumpler award was named in honor of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn an M.D. She became a doctor in 1864 and published a book of medical advice for women and children in 1883.
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Emerging Leaders Award: the Emerging Leaders Award will be awarded to a youth or upcoming leader in the community who is making great strides and a leader in the work.
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Champions of Change Award: the Champions of Change Award will be awarded to an organization advancing the great work of women and girls in Boston.
Resources
Resources-
InnoPsych - InnoPsych works make therapists of color easier to find in the community. Their work helps people start businesses focused on wellness. The goal is to make it quicker and simpler for people of color to connect with a therapist who understands them.
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The LoveLand Foundation - The Loveland Foundation is dedicated to helping communities of color, especially Black women and girls. They team up with others to help these women and girls get the therapy they need to feel better.
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Therapy For Black Girls - Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
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PureSpark - PureSpark seeks to cultivate the kind of mental wellness culture and uses social media and our web interface to provide resources and daily coping mechanisms that would otherwise be out of reach for someone who is unfamiliar with the mental wellness system.
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Dee Dee’s Cry - DeeDee’s Cry provides resources on suicide prevention and loss and mental health education. DeeDee’s Cry supports families impacted by suicide. DeeDee’s Cry aims to create a space where conversations begin to lift the stigma on suicide and mental health among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities.
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We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project (WAB2G) - WAB2G connects and heals women and girls affected by homicide and incarceration to prevent the cycles of violence and victimization. They aim to create a world where the cycles of trauma and violence are broken within families, and communities are actively engaged in healing.
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Roxbury Presbyterian Church: Social Impact CenterRoxbury Presbyterian Church: Social Impact Center - The Cory Johnson Program helps people in urban areas deal with post-traumatic stress. It's a safe place where people can share experiences, learn about trauma, get help to feel better and find support for their mental health.
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The Osiris InstituteThe Osiris Institute - The Osiris Family Institute prioritizes providing top-tier treatment within a supportive environment conducive to healing. Their array of mental health services is tailored to suit your specific needs, including:
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acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
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cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and
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dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
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Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) – We connect people to mental health treatment and substance use in Massachusetts. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call/Text 833-773-2445 for help.
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National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call/Text for 1-833-852-6262 help.
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BlackLine – BlackLine offers the black LGBTQ+ community support, counseling, and report mistreatment services. They focus on affirming the experiences of those most affected by systematic oppression. Call 1-800-604-5841 for help.
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988 - The 988 Lifeline is there all day, every day to give free and private help to people who are struggling. They offer resources to prevent crises and help from professionals. Call 9-8-8 for help.
