Culturally Focused Health Clinics Address Black health Disparities in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In Santa Clara county, where the African American population is diminishing, two organizations are stepping up to provide culturally focused health services. Ujima Adult & Family Services and roots Community Health are working in tandem to address health disparities and create a sense of belonging for the Black community. these organizations provide vital services, from mental health support to primary care, all through a culture-centric lens.

Ujima Adult & Family Services: A Pillar of Support

Founded in 1991,Ujima Adult & Family Services emerged in response to concerns about the disproportionate number of Black and Latino children in juvenile hall. Yvonne Maxwell, the founder and director, proposed a counseling program tailored for African American youth, securing funding from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Today,Ujima offers a range of mental health services,including crisis intervention,case management,and therapy,all while emphasizing cultural understanding and past context.

“African centered services usually always involve knowledge and understanding of our history, our historical experiences,” Maxwell told San José Spotlight. “What we try to do is to create a space peopel can feel cozy, and then can practice some of these cultural values. They don’t have to explain a lot. We already come from the space of understanding.”

Did you Know? Ujima means “collective work and responsibility” in Swahili, reflecting the organization’s commitment to community.

Ujima’s approach includes addressing misdiagnosis of mental health symptoms, a common issue faced by black individuals within the medical system. By focusing on accurate assessments and evaluations, Ujima aims to treat the right symptoms and avoid the pitfalls of misdiagnosis or inappropriate medication.

Roots Community Health: Building Trust and Cultural Understanding

Roots community Health, which originated in Oakland, expanded to San Jose in 2017. Chief Administrative Officer Alma Burrell emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients and employing staff who understand the cultural experiences of Black individuals. This approach is notably critical given the higher mortality rates for Black infants and mothers.

“It starts with listening, not being in a rush, but actually listening and paying attention. Paying attention to what’s being said, and then responding to it from that shared cultural lens,” Burrell told San José Spotlight.

Data from the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that from 2017 to 2022, Black infants in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties died at an average rate of 8.3 per 1,000 births, more than double the rate for Hispanic/Latino infants (2.7), Asians (2.2), or white infants (2) Silicon Valley Indicators. Similarly, between 2018 and 2023, Black mothers died at an average rate of 69 per 100,000 births, considerably higher than white mothers (18), Latinas (13), and Asians (8).

Pro Tip: Roots Community Health provides doulas to expectant mothers, offering support from pre-pregnancy through postpartum, to combat these disparities.

Community and Belonging: The Ubuntu Wellness Initiative

In addition to mental and physical health services, Ujima focuses on fostering community health and a sense of belonging. The Ubuntu Wellness initiative hosts various group activities, including hiking, gardening, and cultural workshops. These activities aim to create a supportive surroundings where Black individuals can connect, share experiences, and receive affirmation.

Menar Negash, program coordinator with Ubuntu Wellness, emphasizes the importance of community wellness, stating, “That embodies what we’re trying to do. We are people through other people, and being together and working on our community wellness together.”

With the Black community comprising just 2.9% of Santa Clara County’s nearly 2 million residents U.S. Census Bureau, these initiatives provide a crucial lifeline, reinforcing cultural identity and mutual support.

Key Statistics: Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates

These statistics underscore the urgent need for culturally focused healthcare services to address the disparities affecting the Black community in Santa Clara county.

What other community-based initiatives could help address these health disparities?

How can healthcare providers improve cultural competency to better serve diverse populations?

Disclaimer: This article provides information about healthcare services and disparities. It is indeed not intended to provide medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

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