Los Angeles (KNX) - Meet Kara James, a Planned Parenthood Nurse Practitioner, creating a path for others to be healthy, mentally sound, and cared for without bias or discrimination.
She's a leader with the Black Health Initiative, addressing health inequities in Black and Brown communities across Southern California by providing high-quality health care.
The initiative was born directly out of the spotlight COVID-19 put on the systemic racism and glaring inequities plaguing our current healthcare system - with a particular focus on the maternal mortality rates of Black women.
The Carson native and high school dropout turned Master's graduate tells KNX News reporter Heather Jordan, "Black women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die in childbirth, in comparison to white women." "It's because of the lack of access to quality health care," she said.
Kara's experience as a young Black mother allows her to connect with those looking for services in a meaningful way.
Kara says, "I know how important it is for me to empower not just my own children but also my community."
"It's a saying that if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation. I believe in that strongly, and so that's something I bring with me when I see patients - especially Black or Brown patients."
The Black Health Initiative provides various services outside of what Planned Parenthood offers, including prenatal and behavioral health care. Kara says, "I see patients who are stressed... So to be able to say, 'Hey, I have a therapist in this clinic that can see you today,' I mean, that is what the Black Health initiative truly is about."
Kara is making a mark in the SoCal community and all the way to Washington DC - being recognized at the White House for her work. Nurse Kara James is our KNX Hero of the Week!
Listen to the whole inspiring interview below
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