11/30/2025
SYSTEMIC ISSUES: In Oregon, around Healthcare for Black Americans
In Portland, Oregon, there is an ongoing challenge in ensuring that people of color, especially Black Americans, have equal access to quality healthcare. Since starting my own mental health and wellness practice, I've noticed that more large healthcare organizations are beginning to offer services specifically designed for people of color.
At BMWIT, our practice receives daily inquiries from individuals expressing that their needs are not being met adequately. When I established my practice, I considered my own healthcare experiences and the difficulties my family faced. It was important to me to include services that truly cater to the needs of the community. I won’t mention other organizations because my focus is not on attracting patients but rather on the partnerships we have with larger entities that send us referrals for their patients who could benefit from our services.
So, what does Black healthcare look like in Oregon? Most of the healthcare is provided by individuals who may not be Black Americans, which can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate care. Services available often come from providers of other ethnic backgrounds, which may not address the specific needs of Black Americans.
This issue has not yet been resolved, and often, people within the Black community have little say in the types of services they receive. Research shows that in Oregon, fewer than 1% of mental health care providers are Black, despite Black individuals making up around 1.9% of the state's population. A report from 2019 indicated that only 1.3% of physicians and 1.5% of nurse practitioners in Oregon are Black. This underrepresentation creates significant challenges for Black Oregonians trying to access culturally appropriate mental health care.
Looking ahead, projections from 2025 suggest that over 6% of Oregon's population will identify as Black or African American, yet only about 1% of psychologists, therapists, and counselors are expected to be from that background. Although programs like the Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program aim to fill this gap—reporting that 72% of recent award recipients identify as culturally specific providers—there's still much work to be done. Many feel that those who provide care without having experienced the unique challenges faced by Black Americans may not fully understand our needs.
I speak from my personal experience and the stories I’ve heard from others in the community. At BMWIT, we are committed to building a diverse team led by Black Americans. This approach will encourage a better understanding of the struggles Black Americans face and improve communication among different cultures. I often hear concerns about misunderstandings between Black Americans and African culture, where some African individuals may view Black Americans as entitled. It’s important to clarify that this is not representative of all Africans, but it is a recurring sentiment that I've encountered in my work.
Educating others about the historical context and experiences of Black Americans is essential in dispelling stereotypes and fostering unity between different groups. Until we address these gaps in understanding and representation in healthcare, it will continue to be challenging for our community to receive the care they truly deserve. At BMWIT, we are dedicated to making meaningful changes in how services are delivered, prioritizing the voices and experiences of Black Americans at every step.
We are here with a deep commitment to fostering and nurturing culturally specific practices that welcome everyone to participate. In the realm of healthcare, we advocate for all individuals, regardless of their race, because everyone deserves care and compassion. My heartfelt aspiration is to spread awareness and unite us in love and support, inviting each of us to connect and understand one another. Together, we can work towards healing in the communities we serve, embracing our shared journey and the important work ahead of us.
We are building and branding our name. Jan 2026 Be in Washington State
BMWIT Mental Health Wellness https://www.facebook.com/bmwit2022/
Modilities:
Psych-Therapy
Mental Health
Tai Chi (breathing exercises)
Day Treatment
Primary Care
Chiropractice
Message Therapy
Medication Management
Indvidual
group
family
EAP (Employment Assistance Program)
If you like this post, please share it. This will open a discussion for services that are not addressed appropriately to be addressed
