Black Health Matters: Join the Movement for Equitable Healthcare
Dear Friend,
February marks Black History Month in America, a time to reflect on our history and look ahead to the work that remains to make this country, and the world, equitable and inclusive. This year’s theme, set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, is African Americans and Labor, recognizing the employment discrimination Black and African American folks have long experienced. Unfortunately, this theme remains as relevant as ever, with the recent news of Black and Hispanic enrollment in medical schools dropping in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to ban the consideration of race in college admissions.
Within the medical field, diversity among doctors is not just a matter of inclusion and opportunity, but of health, as a more diverse physician base has been shown to improve access to lifesaving care for people of color. At The Pathway Initiative Inc (TPI), despite the recent drop in medical school admissions, we remain as hopeful and focused as ever. We are preparing promising and hardworking students, like Tavia and Kristina, for college and medical school, giving them the best chance to succeed in their chosen careers. You can help support this pathway for other students by donating today or setting up a recurring monthly donation. As Kristina said: “The more students who can pursue medicine and participate in programs like TPI, the more people we can all help in the future.”
Please enjoy the updates below, and thank you for being a valued member of the TPI community.
With thanks,
Lawrence B. Mensah, DPhil., Ph.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Student Highlight: Tavia
Tavia Augustin, a 17-year-old Haitian American from Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood, has always wanted to help people. In middle school, that looked like a future career in social work. Today, reinforced by a summer internship through TPI, Tavia has her sights set on a medical career, and a future as a nurse practitioner. “TPI has an amazing mission that the medical field should reflect the diverse world we’re living in. This program has given students like me the opportunity to explore their passions and see if the field is right for them,” she says. Read her full story on our website.
Meet the TPI Team: Nneoma
Nneoma Duru, MD, is an advisor with TPI, joining the organization in 2021 as a medical student at Boston University. Today, she provides mentorship and guidance to students pursuing the same journey she went through on her path to becoming a physician. “Being approached for an advisor role was both an honor and an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, as it aligned perfectly with my commitment to supporting others in their journeys,” she says. Read more about Nneoma’s motivation for supporting TPI.
Support Our Work
Did you know $200 is all it takes to fund a STEM tutorial for 2-5 high school students? Every dollar donated makes a difference for our students – and the more we can raise, the more students we can help. Please donate to The Pathway Initiative today, in honor of Black History Month, and help reduce the barriers underrepresented students face in their journey to becoming doctors. Make a one-time or monthly gift online, or contact us for more ways to give, including through stock, donor-advised funds, planned giving, and more.