October 24, 2025
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The real nightmares? A federal shutdown disrupting healthcare for 34 million Americans. Black women dying from breast cancer at rates 40% higher than white women. Seventy-five percent of underserved communities with untreated mental health conditions. And a 48-hour window between domestic violence incidents and potential fatality that most people don't even know exists.
But here's what keeps us going: you. This community. The people who show up, speak up, and refuse to let these disparities define us.
On October 1st, the federal government shut down. Again. Thirty-four million Americans are now facing disrupted care—halted CDC responses, suspended vaccine programs, limited Medicare support, and the looming threat of ACA premium hikes exceeding 100%. But here's the truth about community organizations: we show up when government fails. Community health centers remain open. Free screenings continue through nonprofit partnerships. Local organizations are filling the gaps. Because while government is unreliable, community is constant. And when politicians won't pay for your healthcare, it's people like you who step up. Your $5 becomes a free mammogram. Your $20 becomes transportation to a life-saving appointment. Your $50 keeps someone from falling through the cracks.
Read Khalani Rodriguez's Deep Dive →
Breast cancer doesn't discriminate, but healthcare access sure does. Black women face more aggressive cancers, later diagnoses, and systemic barriers that turn survivable cancers into death sentences. Indigenous, AAPI, and Latina women face their own unique biological and structural challenges.
Here's the truth: Early detection isn't just important—it's everything. Monthly self-exams, annual clinical exams, and mammograms starting at 40 can be the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 4.
Free screening resources:
Because your life is worth five minutes of your time.
One in four women. One in nine men. All experiencing severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime. But here's what the statistics don't tell you: the 48 hours after an incident are the most dangerous—and the most critical for intervention.
This is when survivors either reach out for help or face the highest risk of serious injury or death. This is when one conversation, one resource, one person believing them can save a life.
If you or someone you know needs support right now:
Your role is simple but powerful: Believe survivors. Share resources. Speak up.
Depression doesn't always wear a sad face. Sometimes it's exhaustion. Irritability. Going through the motions. Physical pain with no clear cause. And for 75% of people in underserved communities, mental health support remains completely out of reach.
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. The 2025 theme? "Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies"—because right now, we're living through both.
Take a free, anonymous mental health screening: screening.mentalhealthamerica.net
Crisis support (24/7):
Your mental health matters. Full stop.
You deserve to understand every diagnosis. Every treatment option. Every medication. Every form you sign. Every single next step.
Health literacy means asking questions until the answers make sense—and demanding that your healthcare providers communicate in a way that actually works for you.
Nine out of ten adults struggle to understand health information. If you're nodding along in appointments while internally confused, you're not alone. And it's not your fault.
Your power move: "Can you explain that in terms I can understand?" Because your health is worth the extra five minutes.
Read Evelyn Camacho's Feature →
From September 15 to October 15, we honor the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to society, culture, and history. From music icons to civil rights leaders, Latinx and Hispanic individuals continue shaping America's story.
This month, we celebrate heritage by learning more. Dive into the Smithsonian's Hispanic Heritage collection, explore PBS documentaries, and amplify Latinx voices making history right now.
We're growing—and these are the incredible people joining the HMC family this fall.
Allie believes your story has power. As our new Community Engagement Manager, she creates spaces where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated. From authentic storytelling to amplifying our mission's heartbeat, Allie's focused on one thing: you.
Fun fact: Allie has a secret superpower—making anyone feel like the most important person in the room. (Because you are.)
Welcome to the team, Allie!
Khalani is a registered nurse with over 10 years of experience across Med/Surg, NICU, Postpartum, and advice nursing. An HBCU grad (Grambling State University!), Northern California native, wife, and mom of three, Khalani's passion for health education runs deep.
When she's not writing content that empowers communities, you'll find her gardening or cheering loudly at her kids' games. 🌱⚽
In her words: "I'm excited to join this team of amazing humans and continue to enlighten the community with my passion for Helping + Healing!"
Welcome, Khalani!
Please join us in welcoming Evelyn Camacho, PharmD, as our Newsletter and Content Writer. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Evelyn is a pharmacist who is committed to providing information and education to others so that they can feel more confident advocating for their health and well-being.
Welcome, Evelyn!
Yeying believes learning should spark connection and reflection. As our Education Content Writer and Designer, she's creating health education experiences that meet people where they are—blending psychology, instructional design, and genuine curiosity about what makes information stick.
A Master's student in Instructional Technology and Media at Teachers College, Columbia University, Yeying brings user-centered design thinking to everything she creates. Her superpower? Taking complex health concepts and transforming them into learning experiences that actually resonate.
When she's not designing content, you'll find her volunteering in the community, exploring creative projects, or hanging out with her curious cat (who, let's be honest, is probably judging her design choices).
In her words: "Health education should feel like a conversation, not a lecture. I'm excited to help HMC create learning experiences that empower communities to take charge of their health."
Welcome to the team, Yeying!
When: October 15 | 6–7 PM
Where: Curtis Tucker Center, 123 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
Stories. Strength. Solidarity. A space to be real, share your truth, and walk away with tools to thrive. Pull up. Connect. Leave unstoppable.
Government funding is unreliable. Politicians treat healthcare as a bargaining chip. Systems fail the people who need them most.
But community? Community shows up.
Your financial support isn't charity—it's investment in healthcare infrastructure that exists outside political dysfunction. Your donation directly funds the services that keep our community healthy when traditional systems fail.
Your $25 provides health education workshop materials
Your $50 covers mental health support and wellness resources for someone in crisis
Your $100 supports a full day of pop-up clinic operations
Your $250 funds a complete street medicine outreach day serving those experiencing homelessness
Every dollar goes directly to care—mobile health screenings, mental wellness programming, health education, and advocacy. Because that's the entire point.
Want to multiply your impact? Become an HMC Champion—create your own fundraising page and mobilize your network.
Stay Connected:
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