Oral health is a crucial indicator of overall health. Most oral diseases and conditions share risk factors with the leading noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes). These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets high in free sugars, all traditionally seen at higher rates in BIPOC communities.

Social Determinants of Health are the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health and contribute to health disparities. For Black Americans, several SDOHs disproportionately affect health outcomes. These include economic status, education access, healthcare access, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community contexts.

In honor of Black History Month, we at the Vermont Health Equity Initiative (VHEI) are committed to acknowledging the ongoing struggles of the Black community and working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month! Self-esteem is an essential factor in overall mental health and well-being; it is the foundation of a positive self-image. It affects how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world around us. Unfortunately, for many Black girls and women, self-esteem can be a significant challenge due to societal and cultural messages that often promote a narrow standard of beauty and value.

In honor of Black History Month, it is vital to recognize and address the unique mental health struggles Black men face. We’ve compiled a list of tips to support Black men and begin open conversation.

For many, the holidays are a time of happiness; full of family, friends, good food, and activities. For others, however, it can be a period of painful loneliness, recognizing grief and loss, anxiety, or depression. One of the best ways to combat these negative feelings is to get outside and participate in the activities and events offered in your community. This holiday season, VHEI has created a directory of some organizations and events around the state that will help get you moving and in a better mental state.

BIPOC communities are more likely to be negatively impacted by mental health stigma. Click to learn why.

A recent study by the CDC found that while the overall suicide rate in the U.S. has decreased, the rate among black communities has increased.

We compiled a directory featuring cultural clubs and affinity groups at Vermont colleges! This is a great resource to pass on to a current or incoming BIPOC individuals who are looking to connect with culturally aligned students. 

Bebe Moore Campbell was a pioneer in advocating for equitable mental health care, especially for Black and African-American communities. Through her best-selling books and powerful NPR commentations, she spoke on the harmful mental health stigma in black communities, and how that affected her experience as a Black woman in America.