Our Work

HEALTH IS MORE THAN HEALTHCARE

Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Crumpler was the first Black woman to earn a medical degree and practice medicine as a physician in the USA.  In 1883, she published A Book of Medical Discourses, a treatise on treating illnesses in infants and young children and women of childbearing age.

Feb 8, 1831 - March 9, 1895

“I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to relieve the sufferings of others.”

“The most fatal threat to freed people’s health was the lack of shelter, clothing, and nutrition.”

Reimagine

re·​imag·​ineˌ rē-i-ˈma-jən:

reinterpret imaginatively; rethink 

Black women physicians are more than healthcare providers or clinicians —they are trusted leaders, change agents, and bridge-builders in the fight for health equity.

Architecture

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BUILD

BWPA brings greater involvement by affected individuals and impacted communities to research studies, analysis and publication. Traditional health research often excluded the experiences of diverse people and the expertise of diverse physicians fostering isolation.

Building new research models mean:

  • Include diverse voices—ensuring studies reflect those most impacted by health disparities.

  • Ask better questions and listen to the responses—centered on real experience, not just academic interests.

  • Share findings openly and accessibly—turning knowledge into community power.

HOW: Research Collaboratives and Content Development Interventions that are more relevant, culturally appropriate, and effective.

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Engineering   

PROCESS

BWPA joins their clinical expertise with lived experience and collective community action for better programs, policies and press. Historically, the “top-down messaging” of health advocacy often curtailed and victimized the voice of affected individuals and impacted people widening the heath disparity gap.

Processes for stronger advocacy means:

  • Amplify the voices of community members and leaders, drift away from speaking for them.

  • Focus on structural change, not just individual behavior.

  • Establish coalitions across the social determinants of health, such as housing, food, education, etc.

HOW: Strategic Partnerships and Speakerships to inform, unveil and transform policies and systems that shape sustainable healthcare solutions.

Legacy           

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FOUNDATION

BWPA focuses on workforce development and economic mobility to improve community health metrics.  Our legacy work connects medical professionals of yesterday, today and tomorrow to platforms, resources and assets to support medically underserved populations, proactively address the professional shortages and provide culturally competent care. This works to lower healthcare spending and improve US health outcomes.

A strong foundation saves lives:

  • Invest in medical pipelines that reflect all communities.

  • Support the entrepreneurial activities of underrepresented clinicians.

  • Share wisdom, knowledge, and access to accelerate the benefit of culturally competent medicine.

HOW: Volunteerism and Innovation-Entrepreneurship that will bolster human potential and incubate revenue-generating ideas to strengthen the medical profession.

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BWPA’s Foundational Purpose is Health

What Exactly is Health Equity?  

On June 11, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) defined Health Equity as “the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.”

The CDC elaborated that “achieving health equity requires valuing everyone equally and examining and addressing the social determinants of health (SDoH) that are interrelated and influence a wide range of health and quality-of-life risks and outcomes.”

SAY NO TO ZIPCODE HEALTH

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SAY NO TO ZIPCODE HEALTH ✻ 

Not widely known or publicized information: 

Medical care is estimated to account for only 10-20 percent of the modifiable contributors to healthy outcomes. 

1.

The remaining 80 to 90 percent is determined by factors known as SDoH.  SDoH are socioeconomic and environmental factors, such as: income, education, employment, access and quality of medical care, health insurance, neighborhood conditions, access to healthy foods, clean water & air.

2.