The recent US Institute for Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) webinar in commemoration of Black History Month featured Dr. Rakimm Rogers, a respected Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Rogers, known for her commitment to improving healthcare equity for veterans, especially African-American males, shared insights during the webinar on advancing human rights and healthcare accessibility.
Dr. Rogers started by emphasizing how her training as a human rights consultant transformed her approach. She also stressed the importance of adopting a human rights perspective to effectively address healthcare disparities and advocate for treating everyone with dignity and respect within the healthcare system.
One of Dr. Rogers’ significant contributions is her involvement with the National African American Male Wellness Agency in Houston, where she volunteers as a committee member. Through initiatives like health screenings, educational marches, and launching the SIPS (Stay in Purpose Sundays) program for mental health, Dr. Rogers and her team actively break down barriers and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being.
During the webinar, Dr. Rogers also addressed an audience question about integrating education and activism to enhance healthcare access for African-American women. She responded: “Integrating education and activism is essential for addressing healthcare disparities among African-American women. It requires engaging directly with communities, whether through hospitals, community centers, or churches, to provide education on healthcare issues and available resources. “
Additionally, she opined: “Advocating for diversity in patient advocacy programs can ensure that African-American women feel represented and supported in healthcare settings. By taking the conversation to the grassroots level and providing accessible education, we can empower African-American women to advocate for their healthcare needs and access essential services.”
Dr. Rogers’ multifaceted approach to promoting healthcare equity and wellness reflects her undiluted commitment to serving marginalized communities and dismantling systemic barriers. Her extensive experience as a Combat Veteran, Associate Professor, Leadership/Success Coach, and Diversity and Inclusion Executive indicates her depth of insight and leadership in addressing complex societal challenges.
