African Americans suffer from major health care issues at a higher rate than the general population. The Tri-State Defender believes it is important to have a public discussion focusing on diseases, mental health, the importance of fitness and the costs associated with health care.
With that in mind, the second Tri-State Defender TSD in the Community Forum will bring together a panel of speakers from health care related fields to share information from their vantage points. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Memphis Health Center, 360 E. H. Crump Blvd. Refreshments will be served.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/community
“Gaining access to sufficient health care has been a challenge for African Americans since we were first put aboard slave ships bound for America, and remains so today,” said Stephanie R. Jones, The Tri-State Defender editor. “This forum will shed insight on what’s being done to improve health outcomes for Black people in Memphis and Shelby County.”
Jones said the need for dialogue is made more urgent as the country has been plunged into increased uncertainty with new federal leadership in place. “We’re in a time of extensive restructuring of the health care system in this country,” she stated. “People have no idea how the pieces will align or how they personally will be affected, and that can be frightening.”
Hearing from local professionals who can explain the health care landscape in Memphis will hopefully help residents navigate a path to better health, Jones added.
Panelists will include:
● Commissioner Miska Clay Bibbs, Shelby County Commission/Budget Chair
● Tish Towns, Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer, Regional One Health
● Dr. Robert Decolli, Chief Medical Officer, Memphis Health Center Inc.
● Richard Ransom, Director of Strategic Communications, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare
● August White, Executive Director, Mental Health Cooperative
The discussion will be led by Lori Spicer Robertson, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. She is also founder and CEO of Wundher, a digital media and membership community designed to reconnect women and mothers to their joy.
TSD in the Community is sponsored by The Tri-State Defender, Memphis Health Center and Felecia Bean Catering.
For more information contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
Upcoming TSD in the Community Forums
● Education in July
● Public Safety in August
● Government and Politics in October
● Entrepreneurship in November
