Student Perspective: Josephine Blackburn, MS4

Decolonializing Global Health

The concept of decolonializing global health is vital. I find that it is often overlooked that the same attitudes that lead a colonial mindset of medical missions in other countries are applicable here in the United States as well. My experience working at clinics based in low-income neighborhoods composed mostly of immigrants and minorities in Albany, New York and in Houston, Texas was eye opening in this regard. I saw that often the only resources these communities have access to comes in the form of aid rather than sustainable solutions.

Empowering these communities through creating long lasting solutions such that they can take ownership would have a far greater impact on community health. This in turn would enable greater upward mobility among disadvantaged individuals.

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