How tech is bridging health gaps in the Black community
September 19, 2024
Over the years, technology has revolutionized the wellness space, offering unprecedented access to health-tracking tools, telemedicine services, and mental health resources. For the Black community, which has long faced disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, the intersection of tech and wellness holds the potential to bridge gaps and foster a more empowered, health-conscious future.
Health tracking apps
One of the most significant advancements in the tech-wellness space is the proliferation of health tracking apps. Tools like Fitbit, Apple Health, and MyFitnessPal allow users to monitor everything from daily steps to heart rate and sleep patterns. For Black individuals, who statistically face higher risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, these apps provide a means of taking proactive control over their health.
“We’ve seen an uptick in people from underserved communities using health apps to track their vitals and improve their lifestyles,” says Dr. Jackie Ward, chief nurse practioner at Texas Children’s Hospital. “These tools help empower individuals to make data-driven decisions, reducing reliance on traditional healthcare models that have historically overlooked them.”
Startups are also focusing on addressing culturally specific needs. For example, apps like Health in Her Hue connect Black women to healthcare professionals who understand the unique challenges they face, such as disproportionate maternal mortality rates and inequities in reproductive care. Exhale is an app focused on the emotional well-being of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color created by women of color. The app offers several categories of resources including meditations, guided imagery, breath work, affirmations, and coach talks.
Telemedicine: Expanding access to care
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred widespread adoption of telemedicine, breaking down barriers for individuals who may have struggled to access in-person care. For Black communities, where transportation issues, lack of insurance, or distrust in the medical system can deter individuals from seeking timely healthcare, telemedicine offers a viable solution.
Services like Doctor on Demand and Amwell have seen a significant rise in Black users, particularly for mental health consultations and management of chronic conditions. Telemedicine enables people to consult healthcare providers from the safety of their homes, providing flexibility and confidentiality.
Telehealth has also played a key role in expanding access to culturally competent care. Platforms such as Therapy for Black Girls, founded by licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, provide Black women and girls with access to mental health professionals who share their lived experiences. The app offers resources, podcast episodes, and a directory of therapists who specialize in addressing issues such as racial trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Online Support Networks: Building Communities for Healing
Beyond individual wellness, technology has created online support networks that foster collective healing within the Black community. Social media platforms, dedicated wellness websites, and online forums provide safe spaces where Black individuals can discuss health challenges, share coping mechanisms, and connect with others.
For example, Instagram pages like @BlackMentalHealthMatters and Facebook groups such as Melanin and Mental Health serve as hubs for information on wellness, mindfulness, and self-care practices tailored to Black experiences. These platforms help break down stigmas around mental health in Black communities, where discussing anxiety, depression, or trauma has historically been taboo.
“There’s been a cultural shift,” says wellness coach Dana James. “People are now openly talking about therapy, burnout, and racial fatigue. These digital spaces create community healing and bring wellness into everyday conversations.”
Addressing Mental Health: Tech’s Role in Therapy and Support
Mental health has been a particularly pressing issue in the Black community, as experiences of systemic racism, police violence, and economic disparities contribute to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Yet, access to mental health resources has long been a challenge. Technology is helping to alleviate some of these barriers.
Apps like Liberate, a meditation app specifically designed for people of color, focus on helping users manage racial trauma through guided meditations and wellness resources. Shine, co-founded by a Black woman, provides daily self-care content and offers a support community that promotes mindfulness and emotional well-being, while targeting marginalized groups.
“These apps are game-changers,” says therapist Nettie Jones, who specializes in mental health within minority communities. “They help Black people understand that their mental health is important, and they provide tools and techniques to cope with the specific stressors they face.”
Moving Forward: The Future of Tech-Driven Wellness
As technology continues to evolve, its role in the wellness space will likely grow, offering even more tailored solutions for Black individuals. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used to create personalized wellness plans, and virtual reality (VR) could soon offer immersive meditation experiences or physical therapy sessions. Moreover, wearable tech, such as continuous glucose monitors and smartwatches, is becoming more affordable, making it easier for people to monitor chronic conditions in real-time.
However, challenges remain. The digital divide, exacerbated by income and educational disparities, means that some Black communities still struggle with access to reliable internet and technology. Additionally, concerns around data privacy and medical bias in algorithms must be addressed to ensure that these innovations truly serve marginalized populations.
For now, the intersection of technology and wellness represents a promising step toward empowering the Black community. As more culturally competent resources become available and digital tools become increasingly accessible, tech-driven wellness could play a pivotal role in reducing health disparities and promoting holistic well-being.
“We’re at the start of a wellness revolution,” says Ward. “Technology is giving Black communities the tools to take charge of their health and reclaim control over their well-being—one app, one click, one session at a time.”
This article was originally published by Defender News Service.