There’s a lot of information online.
However, there is a lack of health and wellness information tailored specifically for members of the Caribbean diasporan community; that is, those with ties to countries in the English, Spanish, or French speaking Caribbean. Heath information should be presented in a way that empowers the reader. Health literacy is defined by the Institutes of Medicine as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Health literacy is a social determinant of health, and necessary to make informed decisions. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, only about 12% of United States adults are estimated to be proficiently health literate. CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, calls for increased efforts to promote health literacy in that region as well.
Our Mission
The mission of Serrette Brown Research and Consulting is to foster a community of educated health care consumers within the Caribbean diaspora. Our goals are to empower people to ask meaningful questions about their health and support thoughtful discussion of health topics, leading to informed health decisions. We will do this by providing information on a variety of health topics, connecting our members to resources for more information and/or support, and partnering in research and policy programs with organizations committed to empowerment and positive health change for all people in the United States, the Caribbean and abroad. Blog posts will be available in English with Spanish and French translations, to make information accessible to as many members of the Caribbean and extended diasporan community as possible.
What to Expect
Newsletter. We have a lot to unpack. Our experts will provide their perspective, and help you get started on interpreting what it all means for you and your loved ones. Information on various health topics will be posted, including tips on initiating a discussion with your healthcare provider or finding resources to incorporate a new diet or health practice into your daily life. New topics will be added regularly, so check back often!
Resources. There’s a lot of great health resources on specific topics throughout the diaspora – either local public health organizations or folks with expertise in mental health, women’s health, aging, etc. We will spotlight organizations we know and trust here and serve as a one-stop shop to guide your journey in health literacy and services to help you partner with your healthcare provider
Community. Opportunities to connect with other subscribers during live events, webinars, and pop-ups centered on health and wellness.
We have the capacity to learn, grow and champion causes we care about, especially as they relate to our health. The first SBRC newsletter series will be Finding your Voice. We will discuss how to empower patient consumers to make health decisions made in their best interest, and how to defend those decisions when questioned.
