In my first three months as a Global Health Fellow at the Boston Public Health Commission, I have slowly begun to gather concrete actions needed to eliminate health inequity in Boston. These actions – whether taken through education, policy change, or community collaboration, are not magical solutions, yet are practices of the world’s most thriving democracy – the United States of America. I am grateful being surrounded with progressive-minded colleagues here at the BPHC, which has been at the forefront of addressing racial inequities for years. This is not an easy task to undertake – our work is guided by theories and a shared mission, but a proven model has yet to take shape.
Upon my arrival to Boston, I had a difficult time understanding the history of racism as structured in American political life. I was pointed to health statistics that help illustrate painful stories of the past and the present. In Boston, the prevalence rate of Chlamydia is higher for Black and Latino residents as compared to its prevalence in the White population. The same pattern is also seen with obesity and low-birth weight. BPHC and a network of care providers are working to ensure this trend is not seen in the future through a series of initiatives.
The current direction of public health work in Boston reminds me of one of my favorite childhood characters, Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mocking Bird. The enduring defense lawyer was fully committed to the law. This resolve made me wonder: What if we, as a society were as committed to public health as Atticus was to the law? Atticus was fearless in defending Tom Robinson for the crime the man didn’t commit but was publicly maligned while trying the case in court. There are many ways to interpret the literary genius of Harper Lee, but I see a compass that guides us in public health reform. We now live an era where life-saving technologies are used daily, however access to these technologies are limited by insurance and geography. Like Atticus, we, as a collective, should believe healthcare access is as equally important as due process of law if we want to achieve social justice. Like Atticus, our activism – and a deep knowledge and commitment to uphold our beliefs – should motivate us to promote health as a human right. Like Atticus, we should be fearless in deconstructing racism and re-configuring a healthcare system that is inclusive and focused on patient-centered primary care.
As my time continues as a global Health Fellow, it is my growing dream to see a better world that is based on the protection and preservation of human rights. I want to awaken my own internal Atticus Finch. This fictional character doesn’t just live in the books or movies, not even in the minds of the inspired; Harper Lee created the beleaguered lawyer for a purpose: to inspire dreamers into action.