A valuable new resource is now available for Black Coloradans seeking culturally relevant health care. The Colorado Black Health Resource Directory is a collaboration between the Colorado Black Health Collaborative and Connect for Health Colorado. This 108-page guide is the most extensive source of health information tailored for the Black community in Colorado, listing doctors and specialists from cities like Fort Collins to Pueblo.
Dr. Terri Richardson, co-founder of the initiative, describes the directory as “all encompassing.” It aims to address health needs “from cradle to grave.” The idea first sprouted in 2010 in response to community requests for access to medical providers who understand specific health concerns. Now in its fifth edition, the directory continues to evolve.
“We wanted a holistic view of health for all members of the Black diaspora, not just African Americans,” Richardson explained during a recent gathering celebrating the directory’s release.
In Colorado, Black or African American individuals make up about 4.18% of the state’s population as of 2023. Despite being a minority, this community faces significant health disparities, highlighting the importance of resources like the directory.
Lielt Bedilu shared her personal experience, stating that finding a pediatrician who understands cultural nuances was a blessing. “Every day, as a Black individual, you have to explain parts of your experience,” she said. She emphasized the importance of building trust in the physician-patient relationship.
Dr. Sophia Meharena, Bedilu’s pediatrician, echoes this sentiment. She believes that connecting with patients on a relatable level is crucial. “It’s not about being a better physician. It’s about understanding what the patient seeks,” she explained.
Slowly but surely, the directory aims to bridge this gap. By featuring health care providers who share similar experiences, it makes medical offices more inviting. Dr. Richardson highlighted the need for doctors who can relate to their patients without requiring explanations of their lived experiences. “You don’t have to explain what it means to be Black in America. I already know,” she affirmed.
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