By Eugene L. Green
VP, Business Development
Health Union

Personal. Safe. Real. These are important types of discussions to have when navigating complex health situations. These are the types of discussions that happen within a community of people that have learned that nothing is more healing than support. These are communities that embrace the power of community because its impact truly saves lives. This is what makes Health Union special, and what the Black community has begun to do better than ever before.

I know you hear me…

There’s no easy way for one Black man to ask another Black man: “Hey man… Have you had your prostate exam this year?” You just… say it. Then you talk about it. This is what happened at a family cookout I was at earlier this summer, but the halo effect was more amazing than I ever could have imagined.

Because of the nature of the question and the delivery (again, you just have to say it), everyone listens. I don’t even remember my target’s exact response, but I remember what happened next. Curiosity. Mostly 1:1 follow-up, but several men of the ideal age admitted to never having a prostate exam and wondering how, who, and where. Younger guys had no idea what a prostate was. A few wives punched their hubby in the shoulder as if to say, “TOLD YOU!”

Health conversations lead to health actions

Regardless of the setting, we all have the opportunity to raise important health-focused topics with those around us. Be the influencer. Give people in your community a safe place to explore. Allow those around you to share their stories. Kick off the conversation and watch people absorb what you have to share so intently. You can almost feel their brainwaves taking mental notes.

This is very consistent with the experiences provided by Health Union’s online communities. One of Health Union’s priorities is giving diverse Health Leaders a platform to share their stories – so patients and caregivers can feel seen and understood in their own journeys. So they can see a face and context of their condition. Many people share and interact, but most just simply listen and observe.

And all have done the same thing just by joining the discussion: given themselves and the people they care about the opportunity for better health outcomes.

Action. Influence. Repeat.

Healthcare-oriented action comes in many shapes and sizes. Some people will rush to the doctor to have a very important conversation. Some will want to learn more and begin hammering Google. Some will share with those closest to them in an effort to begin a patient journey that will not only change their mindset, but the entire community’s.