Did you know there is a median delay of four years between a medical research breakthrough and its adoption into hospital policy?Science moves fast, but the system moves slow. For Black women navigating the maternal health crisis, that four-year gap isn't just an inconvenience—it is a risk we cannot afford to take.In this episode of Rooted in Violet, we discuss why "The Gap" exists and why you shouldn't wait for the standard of care to catch up to the latest safety data. Host Violet breaks down how to stop being a passive patient and start being the "Architect of Your Health" using our signature advocacy method.🎧 In this episode, we cover: - The "Gap" Explained: Why hospital protocols lag years behind life-saving research. - The Stakes: Understanding why 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable and how information bridges that gap. - The ROOT Framework in Action: A step-by-step guide to Reveal patterns, Offer observations, Outline needs, and Take notes during your appointments. - Scripts for Safety: Exactly what to say to your provider when they rely on "outdated policy" instead of current evidence. 🌿 Mentioned in this Episode: - Rooted in Violet & Co. Members Can Access the Maternal Health Violet Sheets for Free: https://rootedinviolet.com/maternal-health-violet-sheet-collection/ - Become a Member: https://rootedinviolet.com/maternal-health-violet-sheet-collection/ - Read the Article: https://rootedinviolet.com/the-4-year-gap-why-black-maternal-health-cant-wait-for-the-system-to-catch-up/ Join the Conversation: Your voice is the strongest medicine you have. How have you advocated for yourself in medical settings? Share your story with us on Instagram @RootedInViolet.#BlackMaternalHealth #SelfAdvocacy #RootedInViolet #HealthEquity #ROOTFramework #PregnancyWellness

In this powerful episode of Rooted in Evidence, we investigate the tragic death of Tanisha Anderson, a Black woman experiencing a mental health crisis whose family called 911 seeking help—only to watch a system designed for control, not care, take her life. We walk you through what happened that night, why Tanisha’s case became a national turning point in scholarship and policy, and how Tanisha’s Law is reshaping crisis response in Cleveland with unarmed behavioral-health teams, mandatory training, and public accountability. But this isn’t just a policy story—it’s an urgent conversation about Black women’s mental health, the dangers of the “Strong Black Woman” stereotype, and the critical need for early self-advocacy, crisis planning, and culturally grounded support.  You’ll learn: • How crisis calls become fatal for Black women • What scholars and disability advocates uncovered about police-led responses • The key provisions of Tanisha’s Law (Ordinance 1198-2024) • Early warning signs of crisis in Black women • What families must say when calling for help • How to build a personal crisis plan and support network • Trusted mental health resources created for Black women If Tanisha’s story shook you, let it also empower you. Knowledge is protection. Advocacy is prevention. Reform starts with us. Read more about Tanisha Anderson's story on Rooted in Violet & Co.: https://rootedinviolet.com/what-the-death-of-tanisha-anderson-teaches-us-about-black-womens-mental-health-and-crisis-response/  🔗 Connect with Rooted in Violet & Co. Explore audiobooks, courses (coming soon), advocacy tools, and membership resources supporting Black women’s well-being. Visit: https://rootedinviolet.com

High blood pressure during pregnancy isn’t just a number—it’s a warning sign that too many Black women are missing. In this empowering episode, we explore hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), why they’re often overlooked, and how they connect to long-term heart and kidney health. This episode breaks down what every woman should know—before, during, and after pregnancy—with evidence-based strategies from recent studies. Learn the ROOT Framework™—a new, approachable tool for speaking up with confidence during doctor visits—and discover how small actions can save lives.

What does binge drinking really mean for breast cancer risk in Black women—and why hasn’t this been clearly explained before? In this episode of Rooted in Violet & Co., we break down emerging research presented at major breast cancer conferences showing that binge drinking may increase breast cancer risk, particularly early-onset disease diagnosed before age 40. We explore why drinking patterns—not just how often you drink—matter, and why this risk can land differently for Black women who already face higher rates of aggressive breast cancers and lower rates of preventive counseling. This conversation goes beyond “wine culture” and vague advice about moderation. We talk about: - What binge drinking actually is - How alcohol is linked to early-onset breast cancer - Why Black women are often left out of prevention conversations - What questions to ask your healthcare provider to advocate for your individual risk This episode is not about shame or fear. It’s about clarity, context, and self-advocacy—so Black women can make informed choices and be taken seriously in the exam room. 🎙️ Stay tuned for the next episode, where we dive deeper into genetics, oxidative stress, and precision prevention. Educational content only. Not a substitute for medical advice.