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).
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.
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?
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 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
Workgroup Goals
*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
Meeting Minutes
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
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
Healthier Frederick Community Advisors
Melissa Sines
Colmena Consulting, Co-Founder
Jeanius Lab, LLC, Owner
Mari Lee
Frederick County Human Relations Commission, Co-Chair
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:
Healthier Frederick Staff Coordinators
Malcolm Furgol
Executive Director
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
Marci Corea
Workgroup Coordinator
Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County
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.