Negative, anxiety inducing statistics are dominating the media about the death toll of Black patients with COVID-19. The urgent need for medical care is spiking and for Black patients and this comes with dread and uncertainty. Not only because the novel virus itself can have deadly consequences, but because studies show that Black patients experience neglect or abuse during medical treatments resulting from racism and bias on a regular basis. The history of medical experimentation and eugenics in this country means Black mistrust in the medical industry is valid. Oprah Magazine has a great article from 2018.
My biggest fear about the Coronavirus pandemic is how I might be treated as a Black, female patient and the possible lack of access to a Black doctor during an emergency. Will anyone believe me? Will I be blamed and shamed for contracting the virus? Will I be a priority for treatment? Will I be verbally or physically abused? I honestly have patience and understanding for a misdiagnosis from a well-meaning doctor attempting to link my symptoms to a novel virus, or any disease. In order to be tested for the virus, I was told by a medical worker at the Neighborhood Medical Center Clinic in Dallas, TX that patients have to first be tested for the flu and strep because the symptoms are so similar. However, blatant discrimination is a different matter entirely. In the past, even with medical insurance, I have been disrespected while seeking treatment because of my race and gender in addition to appearing young and alone.
During a health checkup to renew my visa overseas, I was asked to lift my shirt and expose my tiny gallbladder scars to a curious rookie doctor.
While seeking a diagnosis for years of gallbladder disease, I was told bluntly that I was seeking attention and tests would be run to satisfy my delusion.
When an ovarian cyst burst, I was told I was a drug addict BEFORE the blood test results and basic stats came back.
I have been pat on the head like a dog when I told my dance professor I would be missing class for a gynecologist appointment.
I have been negatively psychoanalyzed by a gyno during a routine pap-smear.
I have been disrespected on the table by a bikini waxer.
I have been leered at and approached by lustful men in service positions at hospitals where I was vulnerable and barely coherent from gallbladder disease and another time from food poisoning.
I have been scammed in the billing process for gallbladder removal surgery that took over a year to rectify outside of court.
I have been sassed and disrespected by nurses and staff or suffered because of negligence or incompetence.
I have been turned away from care by nurses in a foreign country despite having arrived to the hospital in an ambulance while holding insurance and a valid passport. They gave no substantial explanation.
Friends and family have just as many stories.
Have a Pleasant Day
-Rae Pleasant
Below are resources for sourcing Black doctors
or general wellness in your area!
United States Black Chambers, Inc.
Official Black Wall Street Directory/Health & Wellness
Black Women Physicians
National Medical Association
Black Doctor Organization
Update: dshs.texas.gov
Home>COVID-19 Home>Drive-Thru Screening
Update: Be sure to take time during quarantine to get tested for STDs. There is a risk of a condom shortage during COVID-19 and it is important now more than ever to maintain your health. This is not to encourage meeting dates during quarantine, it is simply to encourage STD testing.
http://www.healthlabs.com/comprehensive-10-test-std-testing
Update: Edits and additional information has been added to the main body text.
