Dialogues in Health Equity is a series of blogs submitted by faculty, students, and alumni on behalf of the Health Equity Faculty Interest Group at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. The group is committed to decreasing health disparities experienced by local and global communities by promoting social justice and health equity through nursing practice, research, education, and service.
Blog Post #1: We Need to Protect Black Moms
By: Helena Addison, MSN Candidate
#1
On my first day I witnessed abusive, disrespectful, and unfortunately not uncommon behavior by an OB/GYN. I had just seen how racism could contribute to poor health outcomes, and as a Black woman it was frightening.
Blog Post #2: The Threeness: A Black, Gay Man in America
By: Derek Dangerfield, PhD, Assistant Professor
#2
When I visit the doctor’s office, it’s hard to decide if I should be “Derek” the patient seeking health care services or “Dr. Dangerfield,” the sexual health scholar. I try to be the “regular patient” but it’s incredibly uncomfortable.
Blog Post #3: Wells We Did Not Dig, Fires We Did Not Build 
By: Sarah Szanton, PhD, ANP, FAAN, Professor
#3
Dr. Sarah Szanton’s acceptance speech as she was ‘installed’ as the inaugural endowed Chair for Health Equity and Social Justice.
Blog Post #4: Henrietta Lacks: Rendering the Invisible, Visible
By: Kamila Alexander, PhD, MPH, RN, Assistant Professor
#4
The relative invisibility of Henrietta Lacks’ life before Rebecca Skloot’s 2009 book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, should be a lesson for all of us.
Blog Post #5: Taking PRIDE in Our Communities
By: Athena Ford, PhD Candidate
#5
I made it to where I am today because of my community and my siblings, but it was a long and difficult road.
