Today, the California Black Health Network (CBHN) announced surpassing a milestone of more than 200 Black Health Network (BHN) members, a new record reflecting a growth rate of 100% since December 2021. Established in May of that same year, the BHN serves as the membership arm of CBHN. The virtual community of like-minded health equity leaders, professionals, policymakers, advocates, individuals, and partners work together to ensure that Black Californians live a life free from violence, racism, and health inequities. In addition, the statewide network aims to inspire and empower members to advance health equity for Black Californians by offering them opportunities to build skills, knowledge and capacity, expand their impact, and engage in advocacy.

"The Black Health Network is founded on The Principle of Ujumaa, which focuses on collective work and responsibility. Through harnessing our communal power and recognizing our brothers’ and sisters’ problems as our own problems, we can begin to eliminate health inequities for Black Californians,” says Jamila Jabulani, Network Membership Manager, CBHN. “We are incredibly proud of the Network's evolution and our ability to curate spaces for members to interact, engage in professional development, and celebrate accomplishments."

In the last 6 months, CBHN has held several member-only events, established a new member orientation, peer networks and mentoring program, and created a job board to support the capacity building and professional development needs of its members. As the BHN continues to grow, more offerings will be available to provide support and resources for students, individuals, community-based organizations, and corporate members that aim to improve the health and well-being of the Black community.

“We started the Black Health Network to provide a place where people who work to advance health equity for Black Californians could connect, communicate, and collaborate virtually. The significant growth that we have seen over the past few months and the robust engagement from our members proves that this was an unmet area of need, until now,” says Rhonda Smith, Executive Director, CBHN. “We expect to see 500 members by the end of the year, without showing any signs of slowing.”

California is home to the fifth-largest Black population in the nation, a powerful progressive base that can be central to dismantling health disparities within the community. Black residents have the shortest life expectancy (75 years) at birth of any racial/ethnic group, 6 years shorter than the state average, and the highest death rates from breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. Black birthing people experience the highest rates of prenatal and postpartum depression, preterm births, low birthweight births, and pregnancy-related mortality – Black infants have the highest mortality rates.

These differences are often the result of implicit bias and racism within the healthcare system or policy decisions that divest in Black communities.

By working together, BHN members can rewrite the health story for all Black Californians. Mission-aligned individuals and organizations are invited to join the movement.