P.S. I Love You: Interview With Brenda Shelton-Dunston, MPH, Executive Director of The Philadelphia
- Deanna Floyd
- Jul 21, 2017
- 3 min read
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I read on your website that a part of your vision is, “To be the premier advocacy, health education and training organization that serves the health interest of African-American and other women of color”. What are your procedures for making this happen?
Health disparities is an issue that is at epidemic proportion within the African-American community. There isn’t a total understanding of how our mobility is impacted by chronic health problems. Coupled with homicide, violence, etc. The ultimate impact on black population is clearly seen. I see the links between health decline and poverty. The social dynamic determinants of health. Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate in the country. The anger of slavery, influences all of us. We’ve got to understand that we must step out and take control. It won’t be easy but it’s a must. It’s an organizational commitment. Through advocacy programs, and education being immersed into variable areas. With variable support.
The programs you offer include, “Safe Dates”, “STAR”, “Primetime Sister Circle”, “S.O.S Supporting Our Sisters”, “Problem Gambling”, and “Move & Eat for Health”. Do you believe these programs give weight to disregarded subjects within the Black Community?
We always focus on providing quality, and our program are nothing short of that. Our facilitators our graduate students and/or certified. We want to produce quality in a well understood package. We meet our population where they are.
I’ve taken notice that most of your staff are Black women. Do you believe it’s important for women of color to see other women of color when receiving aid?
What type of aid?
Aid within community and services.
What’s most important is that it’s nonjudgmental. No one should feel disrespected receiving information due to the needs they have. It’s important that there are people there who make them feel comfortable about needing help.
How has having a mostly black female staff benefitted the Black Women’s Health Alliance?
There’s a level of comfort that people have when they walk into a place full of people that look like them. How did you feel when you came in?
I felt great, it’s very validating to see all these professional black women in one space working towards a common goal.
We’re very protective of our space. We make sure to leave negativity and judgement elsewhere. Attitude is also prohibited. It takes too much energy from what needs to be done.
You just touched my heart. Thank you for saying that.
When a person shows you who they are, believe them. Often when someone’s nasty towards us we try to brush it off. No, believe them and by all means necessary protect your positive space.
It’s best when you’re in a space and you’re getting all this negativity to the point where you’re questioning yourself to calmly let them know that their negative energy isn’t welcomed. If that isn’t the best option, move to another space they aren’t in. Negative energy is toxic.
Do you believe that with enough support and exposure, black women’s health will soon be at the forefront within the black community?
All of that and money. The issue is money. If we had the funds, we’d have the staff who are more than capable. Recognition, will and community are all there. Funds are the only missing link.
What is your advice to women of color who hope to not only work in the health field, but to also make an impact on the community in which they identify?
Keep your options open and stay open to all opportunities. Stay open to learn and increase your knowledge to help others. Remember the quote, “you can’t receive with a closed fist.” Opportunities come from a lot of different places.
Do you practice self-care and if so what are your routines?
Not as much as I should. When I was younger I used to do so much more, but as I got older it’s dwindled. Meeting black people who are reaching such lengths, and realizing that we can do anything we want is self-care to me now. Being reminded and echoing it on that, “we can do it too.”
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