Finding healthcare assistance is now a lot easier, thanks to the Black Doctor 247 App. The new Internet resource aims to reduce health disparities in the Black community.
According to Dr. Bill Releford, the app was developed by a coalition of Black medical professionals in response to the COVID-19 crisis, which has devastated African Americans and Latino communities. With Black Doctor 247, any person in the United States can access a Black doctor.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and illuminated long-standing health disparities in the Black community. Complications from cardiovascular disease such as diabetic wounds and subsequent amputation are on this rise. The driving force behind this is that people are sheltering in place and unable to reach their doctors in a timely fashion,” explained Releford.
“The BlackDoctor247 App brings the doctor to the patient by leveraging the power of technology. Essentially, we are bringing the solution to the problem. With our technology, we are able to make an assessment of the patient’s medical condition without the patient leaving home,” he said.
Several barbershop events are planned in the Greater L.A. area where clients can virtually visit a Black doctor, right inside of the barbershop, using the BlackDoctor247 app and technology. Also, Releford said that the Black Doctor 247 app connects several campaigns including The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, Black Limbs Matter and The Black Beauty Salon Health Initiative.
Releford has practiced as a podiatric surgeon specializing in amputation prevention and wound care for nearly 35 years.He is also an associate professor at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science.
Since he founded the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program in 2006, the initiative has screened more than 30,000 African American men for diabetes and high blood pressure in over 750 Black-owned barbershops across the nation.
“The Black Doctor 247 builds upon the existing efforts of the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program, which is the only national barbershop-based health advocacy organization in the country. Our mission is to screen and educate over one million men by the year 2025,” added Releford, who was recognized for his campaign in 2011 by former President Barack Obama.
To learn more about the app, visit BlackDoctor247.com.
