"New York City Public Health Commissioner Mary Bassett has been a health activist since her Radcliffe days of volunteering at a Black Panther Clinic. She began her career on the medical faculty at the University of Zimbabwe, a position she held for 17 years. The valuable lessons she learned in Harare, including the development of one of the first HIV awareness programs, gave her a unique perspective in tackling community health challenges for New York City’s diverse populations. She has led the charge to nudge healthier behaviors, including pushing for higher cigarette taxes and banning artificial trans fats in restaurants. In her current role, she has called for the medical community’s deeper engagement in the #BlackLivesMatter movement and efforts to tackle institutional racism."
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Reference: Bassett, M. (2016). Why your doctor should care about social justice. TEDMED. Available from https://youtu.be/sHLVbM39lpg
After expanding state Medicaid programs to cover people in the country without legal status, Democrats are considering changes that would reduce immigrant access.
(Image credit: Rich Pedroncelli)
With massive budget cuts looming and threats from the Trump administration, several states are considering whether to cut Medicaid benefits for migrants in the country without legal status.
Lawmakers like California GOP Rep. David Valadao could be instrumental in determining the future of Medicaid. Much of his largely rural district relies on the program to pay for medical expenses.
Journalist Amy Larocca says our society's obsession with optimization and self care has reached a fever pitch. She unpacks what it really means to take care of ourselves in How to Be Well.