Institutional and Systemic Racism
Challenging Institutional and Systemic Racism
Frederick County, MD enjoys one of the most culturally rich and diverse communities in the state. Over the last ten years, the population of multi-cultural new residents has boomed, adding to the already expansive history of minority representation in the county. Unfortunately, even with all of this growth, the legacy of unfair and unjust systems still looms large over many minorities, especially racialized members of our communities. Many non-white residents feel more comfortable traveling outside of the county to access culturally appropriate healthcare (CHNA Focus Groups Report, 2024).
Two Projects; One Priority
Immigrant & Refugee Healthcare Access
Power in Collaboration
There is a strong network of nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith groups, health systems, schools, mutual aid movements, and community members that serve the immigrant community in Frederick County.
At Healthier Fredrick, we understand that the current social and political climate has made it harder than ever for our immigrant friends and neighbors to access vital health and wellness resources and care.
We believe that together, we can create the systemic change necessary to ensure that our immigrant & refugee communities have access to health care.
Black Maternal Health Initiative
Leveraging Existing Community Leadership
Healthier Frederick is proud to support the leadership of the Black Health Equity Coalition (BHEC) on this critical work. While Healthier Frederick conducts the Frederick County Local Health Improvement Process, BHEC has been leading work centered on institutional racism in our community and will be leading the work under the selected priority.
The Black Health Equity Coalition has been leading in the effort to support the Black Maternal Health Initiative with the Frederick County Health Department. Healthier Frederick is excited to support BHEC in this effort through administrative support and coordination to align with the broader LHIP goals!
Additionally, the Black Health Equity Coalition has assembled valuable resources such as the Community Resource Guide and Black Physician Network and made them available for residents to access online.
What are the impacts of institutional and systemic racism?
Institutional and systemic racism are at the core of many of societal ills. Systems that have their roots in racism and white supremacy have been designed to exclude and ignore minorities for too long. This is evident in the inequitable health outcomes present today. (Frederick County Black Maternal Health Initiative, 2024)
What’s the good news?
We’re convening partners from across various sectors in Frederick County to come together to address these disparities. With over 20 years of experience in coalition building to address community health priorities, we know what it takes to get things done and you are invited to join the movement!
What can we do about institutional and systemic racism?
Decrease Risk Factors:
Equitable representation among providers and caregivers
Train medical providers to assess their own bias and prejudice
Increase Protective Factors:
Connect more black birthers with birth workers of color
Cultural/racial representation among providers
Wrap-around services to support social determinants of health
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*Goals established in Black Health Equity’s 2025 Strategic Plan including:
1. Support implementation of the Black Maternal Health strategic plan
2. Build Understanding of How Anti-Black Racism Affects Health & Wellbeing
3. Build Demand for Changes that Promote Black Health & Wellness
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Workgroup 1: Expand Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Bias Training Requirements
Led by Desiree Tucker and Dr. Kia Tisdale
Meets virtually on 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM
Workgroup 2: Expand Representation and Capacity of Birth Workers
Led by Nia Condrey and Veronica Lowe
Meets virtually on 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Workgroup 3: Ensure the CAB and CHIP Committee Remain Involved and Supported
Led by Akiyyah Billups and Tiana Massaquoi
Meets virtually on 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:00 PM
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The most up-to-date information on Black health equity in Frederick County is available on the Black Health Equity Coalition website. Visit BlackEquityFrederick.org
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In development! Check back soon to learn more!
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The Workgroup will meet every month on the second Thursday from 3:00 - 4:30 PM
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Check back here for more details soon!
Black Maternal Health Initiative Workgroup Leadership
The Institutional and Systemic Racism Workgroup is led by the Black Health Equity Coalition of Frederick County (BHEC), a Black-led, community-rooted coalition advancing health equity and racial justice. The Coalition sets the vision, priorities, and direction of this work, while the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick provides administrative support and coordination to align with broader local health improvement goals. Current BHEC board members include:
Desirée Tucker
Board Chair, Black Health Equity Coalition
Women Solve, Founder & Executive Director
Nia Condrey
Board Secretary, Black Health Equity Coalition
Purpose One Realty, Owner
Nina Rollins
Board Member, Black Health Equity Coalition
Community Ministries Chair, Asbury United Methodist Church
Zenobia Bryant Antoine, PhD
Board Member, Black Health Equity Coalition
Black Health Black Wealth, LLC
Akiyyah Billups
Board Member, Black Health Equity Coalition
Vital Business Solutions, CEO
Danielle Haskin, MSPH
Board Member, Black Health Equity Coalition
Frederick County Health Dept. Equity Office, Director
Kia Brown Tisdale, M.D.
Subcommittee Lead
Johns Hopkins Community Health, Physician
Immigrant & Refugee Healthcare Access Workgroup Leadership
Healthier Frederick Staff Coordinators
Malcolm Furgol
Executive Director
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Marci Corea
Workgroup Coordinator
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Melissa Sines
Workgroup Leadership
Co-Founder, Colmena Consulting
Mari Lee
Workgroup Leadership
Chair, Frederick County Democratic Party
Institutional and Systemic Racism Workgroup Members
Join A Workgroup
Are you passionate about making a difference in Frederick County? Join one of our dedicated Workgroups to collaborate with like-minded individuals and drive meaningful change! If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete the form below and someone will be in touch.