During Black History Month, ILOTA recommended practitioners listen to Episode 4 of the 1619 Podcast.  Dr. Maud Makoni provides a reflection on the podcast.

Health care access and disparity for our black patients/clients as OTPs

Healthcare is a human right, and OTPs, are already participating in closing the healthcare disparity gap. I listened to the 1619 podcast, Episode 4: How Bad Blood Started (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1619/id1476928106?i=1000449718223) and agreed with all the sentiments shared. Much progress has been made nationally and internationally, but as clinicians, we still have some ways to arrive at healthcare equality.  From a provider perspective, who is Black,  I have experienced health care disparities indirectly. By this, I mean through the lived experience of relatives, friends, and some of my patients. Honestly, the discrepancy comes down to humanity’s disservice and not necessarily racial divide occasionally.  I have seen the people around me struggle with the lack of or insufficient medical care resources, just like the man in the podcast who died of preventable disease, the familiar story of many.

That is, sadly, not an uncommon occurrence in some of my circles. The lack of easy access to mental health resources, to mention a few, has also sent some loved ones through occupational injustices and the pipeline of unemployment and other related injustices.

Listening to the history of the origins of the Bad Blood regarding health disparities was chilling and enlightening. During the Corvid 19 pandemic and at its peak, Black people died incomparably to their white counterparts. Blacks did not just die in numbers from lack of necessities but from an existing poor sustenance support structure in some of their communities. The lack of funding, accessibility, and systems for resources has deep roots.

As OTPs, we are responsible for looking out for social justice for all and doing our part. Do your part in the face of injustice and health care disparities. As advocates, we have to know where the community resources are. You can refer your patients/clients and facilitate pathways to navigate the healthcare system for the less privileged.

We need to document our efforts to combat healthcare injustice. While we do a lot, it is often not reflected in the documentation. Actively participating in general health and wellness promotion, regardless of practice setting, is one way we can make a difference. We can bill for patient education as a professional and skilled intervention.

 The Triple Aim of Healthcare is about population health. OTPs have a seat at the table in addressing health care disparities. What are you doing in your setting?

I  recently participated in a project associated with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and feel even more empowered as a practitioner as I attend to young children within the scope of my practice. Over the past couple of years, Abe Saffer (AOTA lobbyist) has advocated for OTPs to learn about ESSA and advocate for occupational therapy’s role as Specialized Instructional Service Personnel. I realized then, even more, the broader perspectives that OTPs can be involved.

Leaning in and getting involved in advocacy is one great way to get involved. Advocate for your patients, do your part, and always speak for the voiceless. Connecting with those who believe what you believe and supporting each other as OTPs is also a meaningful way to advocate not just for our profession but participate in the health care disparity dialogue. Thank you, ILOTA1918, for sharing this eye-opening podcast.

By Maud Makoni OTD, OTR/L,CHT

Dr. Maud Makoni is an OTP/occupation-centered CHT at Duly Health and Care and is also the PT/OT Neurological Program coordinator. She is a mother, an author, Adjunct Professor, Clinical/ Capstone Site Mentor for many years.

- Woman wearing a black shirt and white jacket smiling at the camera.