Empowering Black Women’s Health: Cleveland Clinic Expands with New Location

CLEVELAND — A special clinic for Black women just marked its 3rd anniversary. Village of Healing opened a second location to better serve the community. This clinic started because of the health care gaps faced by Black women and children in Cuyahoga County.

Angel Jacobs, a patient, shared how Village of Healing changed her view on healthcare. “They really understood what I was going through. They explained how to improve my health and my mental well-being,” Jacobs said. She has been with the clinic since it opened in Euclid three years ago.

To celebrate the new location in Cleveland’s Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood, Jacobs reflected on her journey. Founder Dana Langford mentioned that 40% of their patients come from this area. “We want to provide care that connects with our culture. If so many patients are coming from one place, we need to bring the care closer to them,” Langford explained.

In just three years, Village of Healing has made a real difference in the community. They are working hard to reduce the high maternal and infant mortality rates affecting Black families. “In 2024, 95% of Black women we cared for had healthy deliveries after 37 weeks. This should be the standard, but we celebrate these achievements,” said Langford. Their family nurse practitioner, Amber Black, has achieved impressive health outcomes for her patients.

The atmosphere in both clinics is warm and welcoming. “You walk in and see images of Africa and vibrant colors. It’s not your typical sterile hospital feel. From the friendly faces at the front desk to the rooms named after influential Black figures, it feels like home,” Langford noted.

A report from Policy Matters Ohio highlighted that Black residents often face higher rates of chronic diseases, partly due to limited access to quality healthcare. This reality pushed Langford to expand the clinic’s reach across Northeast Ohio. “We can’t ignore our communities suffering and dying at higher rates. We must take action now,” she stated.

With support from city officials, Village of Healing plans to open a third location in Youngstown by the end of 2025. “This is just the beginning. Youngstown is not the last stop for us,” Langford added.

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