Advocacy

As extreme heat waves become more frequent and intense, informal workers are forced to labor in hazardous conditions without adequate protection. Christy Adeola Braham ’23 advocates for integrating worker protections into national climate policies and frameworks at the municipal, national and international levels.

In an opinion piece, Gulnar Feerasta ’23 explores the implications of Ohio's new law banning gender-affirming care for minors. Gulnar compares this legislation to historical cases of medical apartheid, arguing that it violates basic human rights. Gulnar emphasizes the importance of gender-affirming care in lowering mental health issues among transgender youth and expresses concerns about the wider societal effects of such policies.

Nick Grant '23 served as the president of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality. His role focused on supporting the organization's advocacy, education, and research efforts, including coalition building to oppose the attacks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States.

Medical-legal partnerships address social determinants of health by integrating legal advocacy into healthcare for a range of vulnerable populations. Sarah Hooper ’18 is working to ensure that aging people are included in these partnerships by establishing a medical-legal partnership focused on older adults.

Anne Laux ’19 developed a peer support program for first responders in Ohio and advanced legislation to make peer support privileged communications

Nkem Osian ’20 is an active advocate working to raise awareness about fibroids through The White Dress Project. Her journey started in 2015 when she experienced severe pain and faced a serious health scare caused by a large fibroid. With up to 80% of Black women affected by fibroids by age 50, Nkem’s story highlights the importance of early detection.

Oscar Ramírez ’21 encourages civil society organizations and community leaders to strengthen alliances to end the tuberculosis pandemic.

Elena Rivera ’20conducted training for rural health workers on best practices for using storytelling in advocacy. Participants discussed various issues, including housing, health care, immigrant rights, nursing, families experiencing disability, child care and resource navigation.