4 Organizations Empowering Black People in Healthcare

Celebrating Black History Month 2023

During Black History Month, we honor the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments of the Black Americans that have shaped our history and the future of healthcare! We’d like to shed light on some of the organizations amplifying black voices while working towards a future of equality and equity, both for healthcare professionals and for the populations in need of life-saving healthcare ↴

For Black Nurses: The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)

The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)

The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

National Black Leadership Commission on Health (Black Health)

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)

TheNBNAwas established in 1971 with a mission “to serve as the voice for black nurses and diverse populations, ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities, and improving health.” Today, over 308,000 nurses are part of the NBNA making waves of change for Black healthcare professionals!

In addition to the free reading resources, the NBNA offers a membership option specifically designed to give black nurses access to educational opportunities, continuing education scholarships, networking, mental health, wellness support, and a community of solidarity!

The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)

Since 1983, the NAHSE has passionately worked toward the purpose of “promoting the advancement and development of Black healthcare leaders, and elevating the quality of healthcare services rendered to minority and underserved communities.”

The NAHSE offers a rich career learning center designed for black healthcare professionals. Included are articles and videos with interview and resume tips. Everything from how to negotiate salary in interviews, to essential diversity, equity, and inclusion interview questions to ask the interviewer on the other side of the table. The career resource center also directs users to specialists in reference-checking, resume building, and interview coaching with discounted rates for members of the NAHSE.

The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)

“BEAM is a national training, movement building, and grant-making institution that is dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.”

When you visit the BEAM website, you’re instantly greeted by a plethora of resources to promote and protect health and wellness for Black Americans and marginalized communities. Visitors can find ways to get help, explore programs and trainings, find wellness tools, learn about grants, and much more.

National Black Leadership Commission on Health (Black Health)

Since its establishment in 1987, Black Health has grown into an organization with a mission “to promote health and disease prevention within the Black community through advocacy, education, and policy.”

Black Health works directly in communities as well as on a “nationwide scale to produce systemic change.” On their site, you will find a range of areas, topics, and programs they either offer, work towards, or advocate in: Community mobilization, leadership training, counseling, testing and linkage to care, student internships and fellowships, public policies, resources, and advocacy.