In Houston and across the nation, health disparities remain a crisis that cuts deep across communities of color.
Federal cuts to social services under the Trump administration are projected to further widen the gap, with thousands in Texas expected to lose healthcare coverage.
“It’s amazing that in 2025, we’re still talking about the exorbitant measure of health disparities between African Americans and other people in our community. We die in this city. African Americans die [several] years earlier on average. That is absolutely atrocious. It is a national crisis. It is a local crisis.”
– Bishop James Dixon, pastor of the Community of Faith Church and president of the NAACP Houston Branch.
“It’s amazing that in 2025, we’re still talking about the exorbitant measure of health disparities between African Americans and other people in our community,” said Bishop James Dixon, pastor of the Community of Faith Church and president of the NAACP Houston Branch. “We die in this city. African Americans die [several] years earlier on average. That is absolutely atrocious. It is a national crisis. It is a local crisis.”
Despite the challenges, Houston’s Black faith institutions, Divine Nine (D9) organizations, civic groups and nonprofits are stepping into the breach—leaning on collaboration, cultural trust and a shared commitment to the philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”
Disparity by the numbers
The urgency is clear:
- Life expectancy: Black Houstonians live an average of 72.8 years, compared to 77.5 years for white residents.
- Infant mortality: Black infants die at a rate of 10.9 per 1,000 births—over twice that of white infants (4.5 per 1,000). Black women also face the highest rates of pregnancy-related mortality.
- Mental health access: Only 38% of Black adults with a mental illness receive care, compared to 56% of whites.
- Preventive care: 58% of Black adults went without a flu vaccine in the 2022-2023 season, compared to 49% of white adults.
- Food insecurity: 21% of Black children live with food insecurity, more than triple the rate of white children (6%).
These disparities translate into shorter lives, preventable illness and entire communities under stress.
Delta Sigma Theta: Service through partnerships
For Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., addressing health disparities is core to its mission.
“That is Delta’s purpose. We are social action, whether it is about health or politics, you name it, education,” said Dr. Annetra Piper, president of the Houston Alumnae Chapter (DST HAC). “We are here to make a difference in the Black community.”
From Sunnyside to Fifth Ward to Trinity Gardens, DST HAC has launched health fairs, maternal health baby showers and cancer awareness forums. Its efforts are far-reaching. In one event, over 500 youth, 200 parents and 200 sorors participated in distributing vaccines, uniforms and—most importantly—medical information.
Key to DST HAC’s success is collaboration.
“DST partnered with Bethany Baptist Church, Harris Health and several other entities,” Piper noted. “Bethany Baptist was instrumental in ensuring that people were able to come to their facility and benefit from what we shared.”
DST HAC’s health work also stretches nationally, aligning with groups like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the American Diabetes Association.
“High blood pressure and heart disease are very prevalent in our community. We make sure those partnerships within the Houston chapter are strong.”
– Dr. Danielle White, chair of the chapter’s Physical and Mental Health Committee
“High blood pressure and heart disease are very prevalent in our community,” said Dr. Danielle White, chair of the chapter’s Physical and Mental Health Committee. “We make sure those partnerships within the Houston chapter are strong.”
Representation is also critical.
“When participants see someone who looks like them, understands their cultural context and speaks with empathy, it fosters trust,” explained Jenee Pierre, DST HAC’s Social Action Chair. “That trust allows us to collectively and collaboratively combat stigma.”
Faith institutions: Anchors of care and advocacy
Churches remain a cornerstone of Black Houston’s health response.
“Health disparities aren’t just medical issues; they’re moral issues,” said Rev. Ed Jones, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church. “They touch our families, our future and the very heart of our community. That’s why faith institutions and other organizations must come together.”
Faith partnerships are yielding results. Third Ward churches have joined with civic groups and healthcare providers to offer free dental clinics and health fairs.
Meanwhile, in Acres Homes, Dixon’s Community of Faith Church collaborates with Memorial Hermann, MD Anderson and other hospitals through its Compassionate Action Department.
Others advocate viewing the dinner table as the start of combating health disparities.
“We believe in preventive medicine,” said Dr. Abdul Haleem (Robert) Muhammad, student minister of Muhammad Mosque No. 45. “Our medicine cabinet is our kitchen. Food really will keep us here or take us away.”
Civic groups and nonprofits: Meeting overlooked needs
Civic organizations are also addressing gaps often ignored by mainstream healthcare systems.
Dr. Tanaya Kizzine, founder of Spot Me Inc., highlights one such gap: Menstrual equity.
“There are women and girls who experience food poverty or they’re underhoused or unhoused, and so we have to find a way to get them the period products they need,” she said. “Most people think about food and clothes. They don’t think about period products. Every woman and girl who cycles needs those.”
Meanwhile, broader infrastructure is on the horizon.
“We have had the pleasure since 2022 of working with Harris Health to design a $2 billion LBJ Campus expansion,” said Sahira Abdool of PPG Global. “It will be the first to feature the Center for Accelerating Health Outcomes, named after the late Sheila Jackson Lee.”
The power of collective action
Dixon sees the synergy between faith, civic and cultural institutions as vital.
“The church is the networking catalyst for our community,” he said. “From the church, you’ve got the NAACP, the Divine Nine, and other organizations. When your community is in poor health, all hands are needed, all minds are needed, all hearts are needed.”
Call to action
So, what can Houstonians do?
- Show up: Attend health fairs, screenings and community events to access resources.
- Partner up: Churches, sororities, fraternities and nonprofits should strengthen collaborations with hospitals, mental health providers and each other.
- Advocate: Push elected officials to expand Medicaid in Texas, the nation’s most uninsured state.
- Educate: Share reliable health information with neighbors and family, breaking cycles of misinformation.
- Volunteer: Support groups like DST HAC, Spot Me Inc. and NAACP Houston in their health initiatives.
This fall, the NAACP Houston Branch will relaunch its mobile health unit tour.
“Every Sunday, this mobile unit will be on the property of a church, bringing the community together to address the vital need of healthcare,” said Dixon. “It is immoral for so many people in Houston and in America not to have adequate healthcare. Healthcare is a human right.”
Houston’s Black organizations are showing that when the community comes together—when faith, service and advocacy align—health disparities are not just highlighted, but challenged head-on.
