HealthHBCU

Newsroom

The health news our community actually needs.

Original reporting on HBCU achievement in medicine, the conditions hitting Black communities hardest, and the workforce that has to change for outcomes to change.

News & stories

Health topics

Confronting the Chronic Kidney Disease Crisis in Black Communities

Latest · Kidney Health

Confronting the Chronic Kidney Disease Crisis in Black Communities

Addressing the stark racial disparities in chronic kidney disease requires early screening, targeted prevention, and a strong pipeline of Black medical professionals.

October 5, 2026 · Source: Cleveland.com

Understanding the Distinct Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Black Americans

Kidney Health

Understanding the Distinct Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Black Americans

Systemic barriers, diagnostic biases, and genetic factors contribute to disproportionate rates of advanced kidney failure among Black Americans.

October 5, 2026

The Unseen Toll: Why Family Caregiving Represents a Growing Crisis for Black Health

Healthy Aging

The Unseen Toll: Why Family Caregiving Represents a Growing Crisis for Black Health

Unpaid caregiving is taking a severe physical, mental, and economic toll on Black families, highlighting the urgent need for systemic policy reform and culturally informed healthcare solutions.

October 5, 2026

A 25-Year Study Seeks to Explain Disparity in Black Dementia Rates

Healthy Aging

A 25-Year Study Seeks to Explain Disparity in Black Dementia Rates

A quarter-century investigation seeks to identify the biological and environmental drivers behind higher dementia rates in older Black adults, emphasizing the need for equitable health research.

October 5, 2026

Medical Advocates Call for Expanded Awareness and Resources to Fight Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell

Medical Advocates Call for Expanded Awareness and Resources to Fight Sickle Cell Disease

Healthcare advocates emphasize the critical need for expanded public education, early screening, and health equity to improve outcomes for Black patients living with sickle cell disease.

October 5, 2026

MUSC Blood Drive Underscores Urgent Need for Diverse Donors to Fight Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell

MUSC Blood Drive Underscores Urgent Need for Diverse Donors to Fight Sickle Cell Disease

A community blood drive at the Medical University of South Carolina emphasizes the crucial need for diverse donors to support life-saving treatments for Black patients living with sickle cell disease.

October 5, 2026

Global Coalition Launches Next Phase to Bridge Trillion-Dollar Equity Gap in Women's Health Research

Black Health

Global Coalition Launches Next Phase to Bridge Trillion-Dollar Equity Gap in Women's Health Research

A global coalition of 30 organizations across seven countries is uniting to bridge the multi-trillion-dollar gap in female-specific health data and medical research.

October 5, 2026

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Community Engagement to Target Health Disparities

Black Health

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Community Engagement to Target Health Disparities

Federal research funding targets the integration of artificial intelligence and community input to eliminate bias in medical data and improve health outcomes for Black populations.

October 5, 2026

HBCU Student Recovering from ACL Injury Detained by Immigration Authorities

Campus News

HBCU Student Recovering from ACL Injury Detained by Immigration Authorities

An international HBCU student recovering from a severe knee injury faces heightened physical and emotional health risks following immigration detention.

October 5, 2026

Morehouse School of Medicine and Atrium Health Commit $700 Million for New Atlanta Hospital Facility

HBCU Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine and Atrium Health Commit $700 Million for New Atlanta Hospital Facility

A monumental $700 million partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and Atrium Health will bring a new hospital to south Atlanta, boosting care access and clinical training opportunities.

October 5, 2026

From Washington Heights to CDU: Saimon Acevedo Ortiz Transforms Personal Experience into Health Advocacy

HBCU Medicine

From Washington Heights to CDU: Saimon Acevedo Ortiz Transforms Personal Experience into Health Advocacy

Third-year medical student Saimon Acevedo Ortiz channels his upbringing in Washington Heights to advocate for equitable care at Charles R. Drew University.

October 5, 2026

NIH Exhausts FY2026 Grant Budget amid Administrative Stalls and Cuts to Health Disparity Funding

Black Health

NIH Exhausts FY2026 Grant Budget amid Administrative Stalls and Cuts to Health Disparity Funding

Administrative delays and reduced funding for health disparity studies at the NIH are creating new financial and operational hurdles for researchers focused on Black health outcomes.

October 5, 2026

Black Patients Face Significantly Higher Risk of Severe Pregnancy Complications, New Study Shows

Maternal Health

Black Patients Face Significantly Higher Risk of Severe Pregnancy Complications, New Study Shows

New research reveals that Black patients face elevated risks of severe pregnancy and postpartum complications, highlighting the global urgency for equitable maternal care and a diverse healthcare workforce.

October 5, 2026

Martin Luther King III Demands Comprehensive Obesity Treatment as a Pillar of Health Equity

Black Health

Martin Luther King III Demands Comprehensive Obesity Treatment as a Pillar of Health Equity

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King III calls for equal access to modern obesity treatments, highlighting the deep connection between health equity and systemic justice for Black communities.

September 29, 2026

Addressing the Commercial Influences on Children's Nutrition and Long-Term Health

Nutrition & Fitness

Addressing the Commercial Influences on Children's Nutrition and Long-Term Health

Commercial food marketing and systemic food access challenges continue to shape dietary habits and long-term health outcomes for youth in Black communities.

September 29, 2026

Black Cumin Derivative Demonstrates Potential in Protecting Against Diabetic Kidney Disease

Kidney Health

Black Cumin Derivative Demonstrates Potential in Protecting Against Diabetic Kidney Disease

A synthetic derivative of thymoquinone, a compound found in black cumin, demonstrates potential in reducing inflammation and structural damage linked to diabetic nephropathy.

September 29, 2026

Uncovering the Causes Behind Higher Dementia Rates in Black Americans

Healthy Aging

Uncovering the Causes Behind Higher Dementia Rates in Black Americans

A quarter-century investigation seeks to uncover the biological, environmental, and social factors driving disproportionate cognitive decline in Black communities.

September 29, 2026

Expanding Specialized Sickle Cell Care to Underserved Rural South Carolina

Sickle Cell

Expanding Specialized Sickle Cell Care to Underserved Rural South Carolina

A clinical outreach initiative brings specialized hematology care to Kingstree, South Carolina, expanding local access to dedicated treatment for Black patients living with sickle cell disease.

September 29, 2026

Howard University Secures $1 Million Scholarship Endowment Redirected From PWI

HBCU Medicine

Howard University Secures $1 Million Scholarship Endowment Redirected From PWI

A substantial $1 million scholarship endowment originally designated for a predominantly white institution has been redirected to Howard University, bolstering support for Black scholars.

September 29, 2026

Morehouse School of Medicine Outlines Academic and Public Health Event Schedule

HBCU Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine Outlines Academic and Public Health Event Schedule

The Atlanta-based medical institution continues its mission to train diverse healthcare leaders and address health disparities through public academic and community events.

September 29, 2026

Expanding Global Health Equity Through Inclusive Clinical Trial Participation

Clinical Trials

Expanding Global Health Equity Through Inclusive Clinical Trial Participation

Increasing diversity in medical research and strengthening the pipeline of Black clinical investigators are vital steps toward global health equity and better outcomes for underrepresented populations.

September 29, 2026

Simple $25 Incentive Nearly Doubles Black and Hispanic Clinical Trial Participation, Study Finds

Clinical Trials

Simple $25 Incentive Nearly Doubles Black and Hispanic Clinical Trial Participation, Study Finds

Research from Penn LDI shows a modest stipend significantly boosts minority participation in medical studies, highlighting a practical strategy to address long-standing health disparities.

September 29, 2026

Advocates Envision West Coast’s First HBCU in Oakland to Drive Education and Health Equity

HBCU Medicine

Advocates Envision West Coast’s First HBCU in Oakland to Drive Education and Health Equity

Task force leaders in Oakland are exploring plans to establish the West Coast’s first historically Black university, a move that could widen the pipeline for Black health professionals in the region.

September 29, 2026

Advancing Gene Therapy and Health Equity for Sickle Cell Patients

Sickle Cell

Advancing Gene Therapy and Health Equity for Sickle Cell Patients

As gene therapies offer new hope for sickle cell disease, experts stress that breaking down systemic barriers is essential to ensuring equitable access for Black patients.

September 29, 2026

County Center Hosts Saturday Event Focused on Sickle Cell Awareness and Community Support

Sickle Cell

County Center Hosts Saturday Event Focused on Sickle Cell Awareness and Community Support

A local community gathering this weekend aims to raise awareness and provide essential support for families impacted by sickle cell disease.

September 29, 2026

Risks Rise as Illicit Black Market for Unapproved Weight Loss Compound Retatrutide Expands

Nutrition & Fitness

Risks Rise as Illicit Black Market for Unapproved Weight Loss Compound Retatrutide Expands

Physicians warn against purchasing unapproved metabolic compounds online as illicit markets exploit the rising demand for weight-loss medications.

September 29, 2026

Political Rhetoric Around Cognitive Decline Highlights Critical Brain Health Disparities in Black Communities

Healthy Aging

Political Rhetoric Around Cognitive Decline Highlights Critical Brain Health Disparities in Black Communities

Public political remarks concerning cognitive health highlight broader national discussions around aging, brain health disparities, and the need for equitable neurological care in Black communities.

September 29, 2026

Morehouse School of Medicine Expands Professional Education to Advance Health Equity

HBCU Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine Expands Professional Education to Advance Health Equity

Morehouse School of Medicine’s Office of Extended Professional Education provides targeted training and continuing education to equip health professionals serving diverse communities.

September 29, 2026

Clinical Trial Highlights How 'White Cast' Impedes Sunscreen Adoption Among Black Consumers

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trial Highlights How 'White Cast' Impedes Sunscreen Adoption Among Black Consumers

A clinical trial reveals how the chalky residue left by traditional sunscreens deters Black consumers from daily sun protection, underlining the need for better formulations and inclusive dermatological care.

September 29, 2026

Strategies to Expand Black and Hispanic Representation in Pediatric Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Strategies to Expand Black and Hispanic Representation in Pediatric Clinical Trials

A new study outlines critical strategies to remove structural barriers and build trust among families of color in pediatric medical research.

September 29, 2026

Financial Clearance Disruptions Impact Hundreds of Students at Howard University

Campus News

Financial Clearance Disruptions Impact Hundreds of Students at Howard University

Sudden financial clearance holds affect hundreds of students at the storied institution, highlighting the financial pressures facing future healthcare leaders.

September 29, 2026

How the Legacy of HBCU Culture Continues to Inspire the Next Generation of Black Healthcare Leaders

Campus News

How the Legacy of HBCU Culture Continues to Inspire the Next Generation of Black Healthcare Leaders

Media portrayals of HBCU life continue to inspire future leaders to pursue higher education, driving essential diversity in the healthcare workforce.

September 29, 2026

Emma Heming Willis Advocates for Federal Dementia Legislation as Caregiver Crisis Grows

Healthy Aging

Emma Heming Willis Advocates for Federal Dementia Legislation as Caregiver Crisis Grows

Advocacy for national dementia legislation highlights the urgent need for enhanced caregiving resources and increased representation in cognitive healthcare for Black communities.

September 29, 2026

Only 3% of US Sickle Cell Patients Receive Red Blood Cell Exchange, Study Finds

Sickle Cell

Only 3% of US Sickle Cell Patients Receive Red Blood Cell Exchange, Study Finds

A critical blood exchange procedure reaches a tiny fraction of Americans with sickle cell disease, exposing deep structural inequities in specialized hematology care.

September 29, 2026

Understanding the Deep Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on Black Families

Sickle Cell

Understanding the Deep Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on Black Families

Addressing the regional impact of sickle cell disease requires expanding specialized care and strengthening the pipeline of Black medical professionals.

September 29, 2026

Eli Lilly Files Lawsuits Against Sellers of Illicit and Unapproved Obesity Drugs

Nutrition & Fitness

Eli Lilly Files Lawsuits Against Sellers of Illicit and Unapproved Obesity Drugs

Eli Lilly takes legal action against illicit sellers of experimental obesity drugs amid rising safety concerns for vulnerable patient populations.

September 29, 2026

Morehouse School of Medicine Expands Community Outreach With Mobile Healthcare Fleet

HBCU Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine Expands Community Outreach With Mobile Healthcare Fleet

Morehouse School of Medicine is seeking operational staff to support its mobile health units, expanding direct clinical care and preventative services in underserved communities.

September 29, 2026

Student Worker Programs at Morehouse School of Medicine Provide Hands-On Professional Development

HBCU Medicine

Student Worker Programs at Morehouse School of Medicine Provide Hands-On Professional Development

Morehouse School of Medicine offers institutional employment opportunities that equip students with professional experience to support health equity and workforce diversity.

September 29, 2026

Study Warns Black-Market Retatrutide Lacks Efficacy and Safety of Clinical Trial Formulations

Clinical Trials

Study Warns Black-Market Retatrutide Lacks Efficacy and Safety of Clinical Trial Formulations

A new report warns that unauthorized, black-market versions of the investigational drug retatrutide fall short of the efficacy demonstrated in legitimate clinical research, posing grave risks to vulnerable patient populations.

September 29, 2026

Prairie View A&M Rises to No. 13 Among Top HBCUs Amid Record Enrollment

Campus News

Prairie View A&M Rises to No. 13 Among Top HBCUs Amid Record Enrollment

Prairie View A&M University achieves its highest-ever fall enrollment alongside a national ranking rise, strengthening its role in preparing future Black health professionals.

September 29, 2026

Howard University Celebrates Inclusion with LGBTQ+ Lavender Reception During Homecoming

Campus News

Howard University Celebrates Inclusion with LGBTQ+ Lavender Reception During Homecoming

Howard University expands its homecoming slate to include an official reception celebrating LGBTQ+ students and alumni, reinforcing the connection between campus inclusion and holistic student well-being.

September 29, 2026

New HBCU Sports Scholarship Supported by Stephen A. Smith Opens Doors for Emerging Leaders

Student Success

New HBCU Sports Scholarship Supported by Stephen A. Smith Opens Doors for Emerging Leaders

A new scholarship program involving Stephen A. Smith aims to support HBCU students pursuing careers in sports, reinforcing the critical pipeline for future Black sports and health professionals.

September 29, 2026

Charles R. Drew University Marks a Decade of Advancing Diversity in Biomedical Sciences

HBCU Medicine

Charles R. Drew University Marks a Decade of Advancing Diversity in Biomedical Sciences

The milestone program at Charles R. Drew University continues to strengthen the academic pipeline for underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine and research.

September 29, 2026

Persistent Black Lung Threat Highlights Need for Stronger Protections and Diverse Health Advocates

Lung & Respiratory Health

Persistent Black Lung Threat Highlights Need for Stronger Protections and Diverse Health Advocates

Federal delays in updating dust exposure standards leave coal miners vulnerable to black lung disease, emphasizing the urgent need for occupational health protections and diverse medical advocates.

September 29, 2026

Athletic Preparation and Student Health: Fostering Wellness Beyond the Playing Field

HIV & Sexual Health

Athletic Preparation and Student Health: Fostering Wellness Beyond the Playing Field

As college athletic programs focus on long-term player preparation, institutions emphasize the crucial role of health literacy and preventative care for Black student-athletes.

September 22, 2026

Transforming the Response to HIV Through Faith, Stigma Reduction, and Public Health Leadership

HIV & Sexual Health

Transforming the Response to HIV Through Faith, Stigma Reduction, and Public Health Leadership

Addressing systemic HIV disparities in Black communities requires faith institutions and health leaders to actively overcome historical stigma and expand culturally competent care.

September 22, 2026

Lafayette Black & White Gala Raises Funds for Cancer Research and Support Services

Cancer

Lafayette Black & White Gala Raises Funds for Cancer Research and Support Services

The American Cancer Society’s Lafayette gala highlighted community support for life-saving research and patient services amid ongoing disparities in Black cancer outcomes.

September 22, 2026

Geographic Location Impacting Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates for Black Women

Cancer

Geographic Location Impacting Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates for Black Women

Recent research highlights how geographic location and neighborhood-level factors shape survival outcomes for Black women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

September 22, 2026

Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway Advocate for Cardiovascular Wellness in Black Communities

Heart Health

Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway Advocate for Cardiovascular Wellness in Black Communities

Hip-hop icons Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway are using their platforms to encourage Black Americans to prioritize cardiovascular wellness and preventive care.

September 22, 2026

Addressing the Disproportionate Impact of Heart Disease on Black Women

Heart Health

Addressing the Disproportionate Impact of Heart Disease on Black Women

Cardiovascular specialists highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention, bias reduction, and increased workforce diversity to combat disproportionate cardiac mortality among African American women.

September 22, 2026

Elevating Conversations on Black Mental Health and Community Wellness

Mental Health

Elevating Conversations on Black Mental Health and Community Wellness

Promoting culturally competent care and expanding the pipeline of Black clinicians remain essential steps in addressing psychological health disparities.

September 22, 2026

Visual Storytelling Tool Demystifies Depression and Promotes Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health

Visual Storytelling Tool Demystifies Depression and Promotes Mental Health Awareness

The World Health Organization uses creative visual storytelling to demystify clinical depression and combat the deep-seated stigma surrounding mental healthcare.

September 22, 2026

'In Her Honor' Portrait Series Humanizes the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Maternal Health

'In Her Honor' Portrait Series Humanizes the Black Maternal Health Crisis

A new portraiture series uses visual art to humanize the Black maternal mortality crisis and spark dialogue on healthcare equity.

September 22, 2026

'In Her Honor' Elevates Stories of Black Maternal Mortality to Drive Healthcare Change

Maternal Health

'In Her Honor' Elevates Stories of Black Maternal Mortality to Drive Healthcare Change

A Detroit narrative project honors the lives of Black mothers lost to pregnancy complications while pressing for systemic reform in maternal healthcare.

September 22, 2026

Bowie State Nursing Graduates Achieve 100 Percent Pass Rate on National Licensure Exam

HBCU Medicine

Bowie State Nursing Graduates Achieve 100 Percent Pass Rate on National Licensure Exam

Graduates from Maryland's oldest HBCU achieved a perfect pass rate on the national nursing licensure exam, strengthening the pipeline of Black healthcare professionals.

September 22, 2026

Bowie State University Expands Nursing Program with $2.3M Funding Boost

HBCU Medicine

Bowie State University Expands Nursing Program with $2.3M Funding Boost

New funding will expand clinical training, student scholarships, and faculty resources at Maryland’s oldest HBCU to address critical shortages in the healthcare workforce.

September 22, 2026

Morehouse School of Medicine Study Uncovers How Deep Sleep Shields the Brain From Stress

HBCU Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine Study Uncovers How Deep Sleep Shields the Brain From Stress

Researchers at the Morehouse School of Medicine have uncovered how brain activity during non-REM sleep helps protect against the mental toll of stressful social situations.

September 22, 2026

Innovative Imaging Blends Light and Sound to Track Real-Time Brain Oxygen Levels

Health Innovations

Innovative Imaging Blends Light and Sound to Track Real-Time Brain Oxygen Levels

A dual imaging technique developed at Washington University tracks brain oxygenation in real time, offering new insights into vascular conditions that disproportionately affect Black communities.

September 22, 2026

Charles R. Drew University Launches Genetic Counseling Program to Advance Diversity and Genomic Healthcare Access

HBCU Medicine

Charles R. Drew University Launches Genetic Counseling Program to Advance Diversity and Genomic Healthcare Access

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is addressing underrepresentation in specialized care by launching a new genetic counseling program aimed at expanding access to genomic healthcare in underserved communities.

September 22, 2026

Tatyana Ali Championing Systemic Reform in Black and Indigenous Maternal Health

Maternal Health

Tatyana Ali Championing Systemic Reform in Black and Indigenous Maternal Health

Actor and advocate Tatyana Ali is shining a spotlight on systemic reproductive inequities while promoting community-led birthing models for Black and Indigenous families.

September 22, 2026