Health - Observer News Group

Racial Bias Uncovered in Kidney Transplantation System: Thousands of Black Patients Prioritized After Years of Waiting

by Stefi Mar | Apr 9, 2024 | African Americans, Bakersfield, Front Page, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

Five years ago, Arlette Ebanks experienced severe kidney pain that she believed suggested a criminal need for a transplant. Her doctors disagreed, but the 52-year-old Northeast, D.C., resident, and mother of two who worked for the Department of Transportation for more than half of her life until her deteriorating health landed her on permanent disability, had grown ever more anxious as health care providers attempted various measures of maintenance.

2nd Annual Black Family Wellness Expo

by Stefi Mar | Mar 20, 2024 | African Americans, Bakersfield, Front Page, Health, Local, Women | 0

Both youth and adults reveled in a blend of vitality and happiness at the second annual Black Family Wellness Expo, hosted by the Bakersfield Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The morning of March 16, 2024, marked a key proponent in the trajectory of the lives of all attendees, young and old alike, who gathered at Lowell Park, located at 800 4th St. This event epitomized the core values of The Links, Incorporated – services and educational research for our community.

Historic Obesity Bill of Rights Unveiled Amidst Surging Obesity Rates Nationwide

by Stefi Mar | Feb 13, 2024 | Bakersfield, Food, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys, World & Nation | 0

In response to a relentless surge in obesity rates nationwide, a powerful alliance of leading consumer advocates, aging experts, and public health groups have introduced the groundbreaking Obesity Bill of Rights for Americans. The initiative, with the National Consumers League (NCL) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) at its forefront, aims to transform obesity care by enacting significant changes in federal, state, and employer policies.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s Hospitalization Reignites Controversy Over Transparency Amid Health Concerns

by Stefi Mar | Feb 13, 2024 | Bakersfield, Health, Valleys, World & Nation | 0

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin found himself back in the spotlight as he was urgently admitted to an emergency hospital on Sunday afternoon for symptoms related to a bladder issue, just weeks after his previous hospitalization. The 70-year-old cabinet official’s decision to withhold information from the White House about his earlier health episode has triggered a renewed wave of criticism and scrutiny.

Bridging Health Gaps in LA County

by Stefi Mar | Jan 16, 2024 | Features, Health, Health Care, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

As wealth and health disparities widen nationwide, California is bridging the gap by making care accessible to all.

Health, Education, Reparations and Budget Deficit Among Top Black Caucus Priorities for 2024

by Stefi Mar | Jan 9, 2024 | Bakersfield, Education, Front Page, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

Closing out their 2023 activities and previewing what they intend to focus on this year, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) met with Black news media outlets from different parts of the state. During the meeting, held late last month, the lawmakers shared some of their top priorities for the 2024 legislative session, which began Jan. 3.

Advancing Health Education and Equity: Six Questions for The California Black Health Network

by Stefi Mar | Jan 2, 2024 | Bakersfield, African Americans, Health, Health Care, Los Angeles, State, State & Local Politics, Valleys | 0

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) is the only organization committed to advancing health equity for African Americans and Black immigrants in the Golden State.

Health Crisis Looms: CDC Issues Stark Warning Amidst Rising Tide of COVID and Flu Cases

by Stefi Mar | Dec 19, 2023 | Bakersfield, Features, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

A looming healthcare crisis is on the horizon as hospitals and emergency rooms face the potential need to ration care by the month’s end, according to a chilling advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Our Mistrust of Medicine: Black Health Group Hosts Critical Conversation

by Stefi Mar | Dec 12, 2023 | Features, Front Page, Health, Los Angeles | 0

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) hosted a conversation focused on the mistrust of healthcare providers among Black Americans at Black-owned Drip Espresso, a popular coffee shop in Sacramento and a community partner of the organization.

CDC Says America is at A Crossroads with HIV/AIDS

by Stefi Mar | Dec 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys, World & Nation | 0

On the eve of World AIDS Day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out a call for urgency and a collective commitment to ending the HIV pandemic in America.

Backlash to Affirmative Action Hits Pioneering Maternal Health Program for Black Women

by Stefi Mar | Dec 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, Features, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

For Briana Jones, a young Black mother in San Francisco, a city program called the Abundant Birth Project has been a godsend.

Dr. Yamin Emphasizes The Importance Of Vaccines During The Holidays

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Health, Health Care, Local | 0

The holiday season is meant to bring cheer all around, not viruses. Dr. Zeba Yamin with Dignity Health Group Spoke with Kern Sol News about the importance of getting vaccinated, especially before the holidays.