Impact & Programming
We Are ILL’s initiatives increase Black women’s visibility in and access to patient care, research, education, and the multiple sclerosis community as a whole. Those initiatives include:
Initiative #1: DIVERSITY IN CLINICAL TRIALS
Increasing diversity in clinical trials sits at the core of WAI’s mission to create greater health equity within the MS and chronic illness space for the Black community. Working in collaboration with experts in clinical trials and MS research, WAI equips our community with the knowledge and tools needed to better engage with clinical trials as participants and/or as advocates. By demystifying clinical trials and working to heal the Black MS community’s medical mistrust, which often deters participation in these vital trials, this lifelong and heavily researched-focused initiative aims to create greater health equity in the clinical trial space. Paramount to this effort is increasing Black women in STEM. WAI would like to see double the number of Black women and other women of color in STEM by 2030. Research shows that Black patients who are under the care of Black clinicians have better health outcomes. WAI will direct our community to Black medical professionals through a growing network and directory.
Initiative #3: SELF-ADVOCACY
The added stress and frustration of navigating the often confusing and culturally void healthcare system can be daunting. By providing information on MS resources, patient rights, medical records, and more, We Are ILL is equipping our community with the tools and culturally conscious information needed to better navigate the healthcare journey. Self advocacy does stop at healthcare providers. WAI encourages and facilitates opportunities for patients to participate in wellness activities and educational programming that support a healthy and fulfilling life while living with MS.
Initiative #2: WELLNESS EDUCATION
WAI believes that when MS patients are informed about their condition and how to treat it, they can live full lives. Education is the launching pad for patients living with MS to go from simply coming to terms with their diagnosis to being in control of it. When patients have a name for what they’re experiencing, they can claim it and take their power back. One of the main side effects of multiple sclerosis is depression, and in the Black community, mental health is not often discussed openly. WAI strives to remove the stigma of mental health challenges and expose our community to the benefits of prioritizing mental health as we think holistically about wellness. Our wellness education efforts will center on two pillars: health literacy and mental health.
Initiative #4: COMMUNITY
We Are ILL is the organization it is because of its community. WAI provides a space for Black women living with MS to learn, to thrive, and, most importantly, to be. By continuing to expand WAI’s multi-channel and digital community strategy, WAI will continue to facilitate support and spread MS awareness.