By Dr. Willie Allen I received my first taste of violence as a child in St. Louis, when I was dragged into the street to fight with another child that I did not know. From that time on, I always wondered why children (and adults) would resort to violence. Eventually I asked some of my cousins what I should do when challenged to settle a dispute with violence. The … [Read more...] about Understanding your emotional trauma is the first step to overcoming it
Health and Fitness
Five years later: How the COVID-19 pandemic changed us
By Camille Cobbs March 2025 marked five years since the world shut down and announced a global pandemic. Does it feel like it’s been five years? We have seen several historic events, elections, economic shifts, and so much more. How has this changed us as a national and global society? I remember when I first started hearing about COVID-19. I was living in California at … [Read more...] about Five years later: How the COVID-19 pandemic changed us
Reclaiming our rest: How better sleep can transform black health
Sleep deprivation is more than just an inconvenience— it’s a silent killer that disproportionately impacts black Americans. Contributing to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental health challenges, poor sleep is an overlooked public health crisis in our community. Overview Sleep deprivation has quietly evolved into a public health epidemic for … [Read more...] about Reclaiming our rest: How better sleep can transform black health
Light and Unite Red Week
Debunking common misconceptions about alcohol and other drugs Each year, partners across Milwaukee County join forces for Light and Unite Red Week to promote community- wide substance abuse prevention education. The week is in alignment with National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, an annual observance to inspire dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. … [Read more...] about Light and Unite Red Week
A guide for black men: Health screenings to start in your 40s
You reach a major life milestone when you enter your forties, a critical age when certain health exams become essential. Because black males have a higher risk of certain diseases, these examinations are very important. Preventing and controlling possible concerns may be greatly improved with proactive health management and regular check-ups. Blood pressure screening … [Read more...] about A guide for black men: Health screenings to start in your 40s
Understanding metastatic breast cancer in black women; risks, disparities, and hope
What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow and invade healthy cells. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women in the U.S. While many women with early-stage breast cancer are successfully treated, approximately 1 in 10 are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and 20 percent to 30 percent of … [Read more...] about Understanding metastatic breast cancer in black women; risks, disparities, and hope
Addressing stigma: Mental health conversations in black communities
By RISE Drug Free MKE Mental health stigma within black communities remains an on-going challenge, deeply rooted with historical trauma and systemic mistrust. The history of discrimination, along with cultural and socioeconomic factors, has contributed to a silence around mental health issues. Yet, within this complex story, there is also a rich tradition of resilience and … [Read more...] about Addressing stigma: Mental health conversations in black communities
Flu and stomach bugs are spreading fast—are you prepared?
Flu season is here, and with cases rising across the country, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. The flu can spread easily, causing mild to severe illness and, in some cases, serious complications. Dr. Priya Soni, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s Health Center in Los Angeles, shares … [Read more...] about Flu and stomach bugs are spreading fast—are you prepared?
New research: Black people have a HIGHER risk of getting MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system, causing all sorts of neurological conditions that may worsen over time. And for the longest time, it wasn’t an issue. Well, that is to say, many people thought it wasn’t an issue, because, for many people in the Black community, MS was strictly a “white” disease. But now … [Read more...] about New research: Black people have a HIGHER risk of getting MS
Outreach Community Health Centers: Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this holiday, we are reminded of the values of equality, justice, and service to others that Dr. King fought for so passionately for. Dr. King’s vision of a fair and just society, where all individuals have access to opportunity and resources, continues to inspire us in our mission to provide compassionate, accessible … [Read more...] about Outreach Community Health Centers: Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.