Linda Villarosa inspires at FHSP ‘Speakers’ event

Journalist and author Linda Villarosa addressed over 150 community members at a Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg (FHSP) “Speakers Who Inspire” event Dec. 10. Villarosa, a New York Times Magazine contributor and 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist, discussed themes from her book, Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation.

Dr. Kanika Tomalin, left, and Linda Villarosa. Photo provided.

Villarosa emphasized that Black Americans experience higher rates of illness and mortality across all stages of life. She identified three contributing factors: The health effects of societal discrimination, the legacy of sanctioned discrimination leading to less healthy communities, and biases within the medical system itself.

Data underscores these disparities. For instance, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Additionally, Black infants have a mortality rate that is more than twice that of white infants. These disparities persist even when controlling for socioeconomic factors.

Villarosa also addressed outdated medical assumptions about Black bodies, environmental racism, disparities in medical treatment, and the cumulative health effects of experiencing racism throughout a lifetime.

In her work, Villarosa highlights that contemporary medical texts and instruments still carry erroneous beliefs from the slavery era, suggesting that Black bodies are fundamentally different from white bodies. This has led to worse treatment and outcomes for Black patients. She also points out that Black communities often reside in more polluted areas due to environmental racism and governmental neglect.

Furthermore, Villarosa describes how the daily experience of racism can lead to premature aging and adverse health effects among Black individuals.

FHSP President and CEO Dr. Kanika Tomalin highlighted the importance of such discussions in promoting racially equitable health outcomes. She noted that engaging with thought leaders like Villarosa enhances understanding of the roles race and racism play in health, aiding efforts to improve systems and conditions affecting these outcomes.

The “Speakers Who Inspire” series is designed to bring leading voices to the community to address critical issues. Villarosa’s presentation provided insights into the systemic challenges affecting public health and the lives of Black Americans, encouraging ongoing dialogue and action toward equitable health solutions.