Showcasing a Black-led, Birmingham-based collective, Aida Fofana illuminates the power of art to challenge racial health inequalities.
“I couldn’t trust the system even though I was crying out for help.” Greg Rodgers isn’t alone in the feeling of mistrust in the NHS. Black people are more than 10 times more likely to be subject to a community treatment order, and over four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act, according to recent data from NHS England.
Gregg, from Kings Heath, was 20 years old when he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and admits at the time his distrust in the NHS due to ‘historical factors’ resulted in him not wanting to seek medical help. “Looking back I probably was slightly erratic in my thinking and experiencing psychosis.," he said.
“I didn't want to see the doctor because there was a combination of fear over what was going to be prescribed to me, not understanding what it was and also a distrust which was inherited from historical factors.”
Research published by the Black Equality Organisation revealed that 65% of Black Brits have reported being discriminated against by a healthcare professional because of their race. A figure that rises to a shocking 75% for those aged 18-34... Keep reading on Birmingham Live.
“I couldn’t trust the system even though I was crying out for help.” Greg Rodgers isn’t alone in the feeling of mistrust in the NHS. Black people are more than 10 times more likely to be subject to a community treatment order, and over four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act, according to recent data from NHS England.
Gregg, from Kings Heath, was 20 years old when he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and admits at the time his distrust in the NHS due to ‘historical factors’ resulted in him not wanting to seek medical help. “Looking back I probably was slightly erratic in my thinking and experiencing psychosis.," he said.
“I didn't want to see the doctor because there was a combination of fear over what was going to be prescribed to me, not understanding what it was and also a distrust which was inherited from historical factors.”
Research published by the Black Equality Organisation revealed that 65% of Black Brits have reported being discriminated against by a healthcare professional because of their race. A figure that rises to a shocking 75% for those aged 18-34... Keep reading on Birmingham Live.