The Black Community and POCs have historically been on the receiving end of not only racial discrimination but also of inadequate services. Disproportionately affected by various chronic conditions and consistently impacted by existing systems that do not promote quality of life, Black people have to contend with the effects of growing disparities in economic status and health, to name a few. This is why the mobile app ourHealth has emerged to serve both as a mobile and web-based social community and a streaming platform that is geared toward increasing the visibility and accessibility of information pertaining to Black health.
A depository of valuable information about health care, mental health, nutrition, self-care, fitness, yoga, meditation, and many more, ourHealth involves the work of Black influencers and thought leaders who are spread among various social platforms, a setup that makes it easy for anyone to reach out to them.
ourHealth is founded by visionary Eric Chiyembekeza, whose work in the healthcare industry and professional background as in charge of the operations of federally qualified health centers on a mission to cater to the underserved communities have further driven home the importance of shedding light on the significantly poor health outcomes experienced by the Black community. He is intimately aware of the disconnect that exists between those with the information and the people who need to hear it, launching entrepreneurial pursuits that can alleviate this problem.
Contrary to how well-documented the health-related experiences of the Black community is, with it holding the most inferior outcomes of any group in the country, the information needed to thrive holistically is not as available. With ourHealth and its web and mobile application, its creators seek to address this issue using an approach that is social, digestible and trusted.
Through the app, users can join a growing number of groups, post and find uniquely-tailored events, meet and relate with friends, create and engage with topic hashtags, and more. All of these features are designed to connect people with useful medical information.
Right now, Eric and the rest of the incredible team behind ourHealth are actively partnering with video content creators to complete the platform’s streaming component. They are also ensuring that fresh content is available weekly by securing enough creators who are compensated for their exclusive partnership with and belief in the vision of ourHealth.
More features will grace the app shortly. Not only will it enable personal trainers to perform virtual workouts or sell personalized meal plans and allow nutritionists to introduce healthy food alternatives, but therapists, for one, can also utilize ourHealth as a gateway for people who are seeking help for mental health issues.
Currently, there is no standalone, Black-owned platform dedicated to increasing access to accurate and culturally appropriate health information about the Black community. And although there have been past attempts to bring about this particular kind of resource, they all banked on traditional media to fulfill their mission. ourHealth is a long-awaited essential. Bridging the chasm that exists between the voices of the past generations and the newer millennials, this trailblazing app stands out as it is.
Learn more about ourHealth by visiting its website and checking out the app on Google Play and App Store.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
