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As we conclude the commemoration of the 100th Black History Month, we’re celebrating it by turning our intentions toward some of the trailblazing Black physicians, nurses, research scientists, and healthcare pioneers who not only advanced medical care throughout history but broke down barriers in the process.
And while these individuals and their legacies are part of a history that deserves amplification outside of just one calendar month a year, Black History Month offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the immeasurable impact of these contributions in saving or improving so many lives.
So, please join us in celebrating the legacies of these Black healthcare pioneers (and take a few moments to learn more about their phenomenal lives and contribution to our health and history):
Historical Pioneers
- James McCune Smith (1813–1865): The first African American to earn a medical degree in the U.S., Smith established his own practice and pharmacy in New York City. He was a prominent abolitionist and contributed to medical literature, advocating for the rights of Black individuals.
- Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895): The first Black woman to receive an MD degree in the U.S., Crumpler focused on providing medical care to formerly enslaved individuals and authored one of the first medical publications by an African American.
- Daniel Hale Williams (1856–1931): Known for performing one of the first successful open-heart surgeries, Williams founded the first Black-owned interracial hospital in the U.S. and was a pioneer in surgical practices.
- Patricia Bath (1942–2019): An ophthalmologist who invented the laserphaco probe for cataract surgery, Bath was the first Black woman to receive a medical patent. She founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, advocating for eye health in underserved communities.
Contemporary Leaders
- Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD: As the first woman president of Morehouse School of Medicine, Montgomery Rice has significantly increased the number of MD candidates and focused on health disparities affecting women of color.
- David Satcher, MD, PhD: The first African American to lead the CDC, Satcher has been instrumental in addressing health disparities and promoting public health initiatives.
- Sandra Lindsay: Known for being the first person in the U.S. to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Lindsay has been a strong advocate for health equity and vaccination in underserved communities.
- John Nkengasong, PhD: As the founding director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Nkengasong has played a crucial role in public health responses in Africa, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the many African American doctors who have made significant impacts on healthcare, advocating for equity and advancing medical knowledge throughout history. Their legacies continue to inspire future generations in the medical field.
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February is American Heart Month!
Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States but impacts some communities disproportionately? Health problems that increase the risk of heart disease are common in African American communities, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and being overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases the risk of heart disease. But the good news is that there’s a lot we can do to prevent it.
Did you know?
African American women 20 years and older: 81% are overweight, 58% have high blood pressure, 30% have high cholesterol, and 13% have been diagnosed with diabetes.
African American men 20 years and older: 72% are overweight, 57% have high blood pressure, 28% have high cholesterol, and 12% have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Help raise awareness about heart health among those you care about. Have conversations about heart health so they can better understand their risk factors for heart disease and take actionable steps to prevent or reduce them.
Lifestyle Tips
Here are some facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you and your community to work together to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Be more physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce stress.
- Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
- Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar numbers.
You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go.
For more information on keeping your heart healthy, join the Health Education Ministry on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 10am and Sunday, February 15, 2026, immediately following service.
Sources: American Heart Association, Kaiser Permanente, National Center for Health Statistics
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January marks Glaucoma Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on eye health. Why the urgency? Glaucoma, often called the silent thief of sight, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States, yet as many as half of the people who have it don’t know they are affected.
What Is Glaucoma, and Why Does It Matter?
Glaucoma is not just one disease. It is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the cable that sends visual information from your eye to your brain.
Early Signs and Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Although glaucoma often develops without clear symptoms, there are warning signs that deserve urgent attention.
Subtle Changes That May Suggest Glaucoma:
- Slowly worsening peripheral (side) vision
- Trouble seeing in dim light
- Mildly blurred or patchy vision in one or both eyes
- Frequent prescription changes that don’t fully fix your vision
Because these changes are so gradual, many people miss or dismiss them. Regular eye exams are the only reliable way to catch glaucoma early.
Who Is at a Higher Risk for Glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma. Still, some people have a significantly higher risk. Knowing where you stand helps you decide how often to get checked.
Major Glaucoma Risk Factors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Eye Institute, and the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the following factors raise your risk:
- Age 60 or older (risk increases with age)
- Family history of glaucoma, especially in a parent or sibling
- Elevated eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Thin corneas or certain eye structural features
- A history of eye injury, long-term steroid use, or certain eye conditions
Race and ethnicity:
African American adults are more likely to develop glaucoma, and we often develop it at a younger age
Hispanic and Latino adults, particularly those over age 60, have an elevated risk. People of Asian descent are at higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma and some normal-tension forms
Studies also show that glaucoma is more likely to cause blindness in Black and Latinx populations due to biological and systemic factors, including disparities in access to eye care.
If you fall into any of these groups, Glaucoma Awareness Month is an ideal time to talk with an eye doctor.
Resources: Detecting Glaucoma with a Dilated Eye Exam; Animation: Dilated Eye Exam
Sources: Glaucoma Research Foundation, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health