Feb 22, 2022 3 min read

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, chief clinical diversity and inclusion officer at Allegheny Health Network, delivered the keynote address Saturday at the NAACP Washington branch’s Black History Month celebration.

Larkins-Pettigrew tackled Black History Month’s theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” discussing long-standing health disparities that exist in the Black community and encouraging the African American population to focus on its own health during a virtual talk.

“This is Black History Month, the time to reflect on the past, present and future. How we do that with our best selves is to talk about wellness,” said Larkins-Pettigrew.

She noted Black Americans, on average, have a nearly 3½-year shorter life expectancy than white Americans, and are less likely to receive a wide range of medical services.

African American adults, too, are much more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke deaths than white adults.

Additionally, Black American adults are 60% more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes.

Larkins-Pettigrew believes inequities in many areas of general health care have long existed, but she pointed out the COVID-19 pandemic amplified social and economic factors that have contributed to a disproportionate physical health toll and less access to mental health care for people of color.

For Larkins-Pettigrew, it’s important people recognize the policies and practices that have led to racial inequity and change them.

“The myth of American exceptionalism, that everyone has the same opportunities, that’s not true … it’s time for our country and us as a people, all of us, to embrace the fact that we have years of data telling us how we got here. The question is, how do we move forward and make sure it’s fair for all?” she asked.

Larkins-Pettigrew encouraged Black Americans to focus on wellness, not on illness, and to address their physical, mental, spiritual, social and financial wellness.

“You must be accountable for your own health care. You must invest in your own healthcare,” said Larkins-Pettigrew. “Do those things that will help you to be the best you can be.”

Her advice: go for regular and routine check-ups; establish a relationship with a trusted health care professional who treats patients with respect; maintain a healthy weight; eat a healthy diet; don’t smoke; limit alcohol use; and exercise regularly.

“Get up, get out, meet people. Get off the couch,” said Larkins-Pettigrew. “You need physical activity.”

She finished with a quote by Malcolm X regarding how togetherness is a key factor in wellness.

“When I becomes we, then illness becomes wellness,” said Larkins-Pettigrew. “Remember, we’re all in this together. It has to start with ‘I.’ You have to be accountable for your health. And then it goes to ‘we.’ We are on the wellness path together.”

Also, students from Washington and Trinity Area school districts and Washington & Jefferson College participated in the event, sharing poems, reports and projects.

Carolyn Dunn, third vice-president of the NAACP Washington branch and a member of the Pennsylvania NAACP executive committee, served as mistress of ceremonies.

Dorothy Young, minister of music at St. Paul AME Church in Washington, played musical selections.