In our premiere episode, we share the definition of health literacy, our mission and vision for the show, and tell you a little bit about our backstory.

Per the CDC, health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

Health literacy emphasizes people’s ability to use health information rather than just understand it and focuses on the ability to make “well-informed” decisions rather than “appropriate” ones


Each episode we'll share our TMI Takeaway, or what we hope the audience learns from the episode. For today's episode, the TMI Takeaways are:
1. Understand who we are as nurses
2. Why we're starting this podcast
3. Why health literacy is important


“In healthcare, there is often too much information and not enough time. Here at The Melanin Initiative, we avoid TMI by breaking things down into language you can understand, we create a safe space to ask your questions, and share our nursing perspective without taking too much of your time. Thanks for tuning in. Join us every week for TMI Tuesdays at 10!”

Contact Us:
Email: tmi.melanin@gmail.com
Instagram: tmi.melanin
YouTube: The Melanin Initiative

*This show is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed are our opinions alone, they are not a representation of any of our affiliations. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should seek medical attention and medical guidance from your healthcare provider.

Send us a text

Stay Connected with The Melanin Initiative Podcast:

✨ Mahogany Dermatology Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/MahoganyDermatology
✨ YouTube: youtube.com/@themelanininitiative
✨ Instagram: instagram.com/tmi.melanin
✨ Facebook: facebook.com/people/The-Melanin-Initiative
✨ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-melanin-initiative-podcast
✨ TikTok: tiktok.com/@themelanininitiative
✨ Podcast: buzzsprout.com/2186156
✨ Email Us: tmi.melanin@gmail.com
✨ Increase your Health Literacy IQ: Caring For Us: www.caring4us.org

The patient experience encompasses the range of interactions that patients have with the healthcare system; including their care from health plans; and from doctors, nurses, and staff in hospitals, physician practices; and other healthcare facilities. As an integral component of healthcare quality, the patient experience includes several aspects of healthcare delivery that patients value highly when they seek and receive care, such as getting timely appointments, easy access to information, and good communication with health care providers (Agency for Healthcare and Research).

Why this episode is important: We want to help you manage your expectations when it comes to navigating the healthcare system and in different settings.


TMI Takeaway for today’s episode:
-You are your best advocate.
-You have rights that should be respected, but you also have a responsibility to participate in your care and manage your health outside of the clinical setting.
-Communication is key, and it’s important to know you are one of the key players.
-The themes for today’s episode are communication, safety, and advocacy.



“In healthcare, there is often too much information and not enough time. Here at The Melanin Initiative, we avoid TMI by breaking things down into language you can understand, we create a safe space to ask your questions, and share our nursing perspective without taking too much of your time. Thanks for tuning in. Join us every week for TMI Tuesdays!”


Email: tmi.melanin@gmail.com

Instagram: tmi.melanin https://www.instagram.com/tmi.melanin/

YouTube: The Melanin Initiative https://www.youtube.com/@themelanininitiative

*This show is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed are our opinions alone, they are not a representation of any of our affiliations. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should seek medical attention and medical guidance from your healthcare provider.

Send us a text

Stay Connected with The Melanin Initiative Podcast:

✨ Mahogany Dermatology Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/MahoganyDermatology
✨ YouTube: youtube.com/@themelanininitiative
✨ Instagram: instagram.com/tmi.melanin
✨ Facebook: facebook.com/people/The-Melanin-Initiative
✨ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-melanin-initiative-podcast
✨ TikTok: tiktok.com/@themelanininitiative
✨ Podcast: buzzsprout.com/2186156
✨ Email Us: tmi.melanin@gmail.com
✨ Increase your Health Literacy IQ: Caring For Us: www.caring4us.org

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community (World Health Organization).

Why this episode matters: Mental health awareness is crucial for black and brown communities because our communities are often subjected to systemic oppression, discrimination, and racism, which can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. As well as, more costly care, more hospitalizations, more torn relationships, more absenteeism at work, and more encounters with law enforcement.


Our TMI Takeaways for this episode:

1. Understand what mental health means and how it presents itself on a daily basis.
2. Representation matters: identify mental health in Black and Brown individuals and find access to Black and Brown therapists.
3. By combining your religious beliefs with taking your medications, talking about your problems with a professional, and learning to use coping mechanisms, you can
   1. Decrease your anxiety
   2. Understand how to function through your depression
   3. And learn the tools to support family members with bipolar, schizophrenia and PTSD

• There are various websites that allow you to narrow your search and find black providers in your area. Here are two we recommend:
  • https://locator.apa.org/results/1/20001,%20Washington,%20DC/25/
  • https://meetmonarch.com/therapists
• Here is a resource for clinicians who want to learn more:
  • American Psychological Association
  • https://www.apa.org/ed/ce
    • APA has a ton of resources including CEs
      • Apply CE reimbursement and ask administrator to cover costs for the staff
• Therapy for Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
• The Boris Henson Foundation https://resourceguide.borislhensonfoundation.org/
• The Loveland Foundation https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

“In healthcare, there is often too much information and not enough time. Here at The Melanin Initiative, we avoid TMI by breaking things down into language you can understand, we create a safe space to ask your questions, and share our nursing perspective without taking too much of your time. Thanks for tuning in. Join us every week for TMI Tuesdays!”

Send us a text

Stay Connected with The Melanin Initiative Podcast:

✨ Mahogany Dermatology Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/MahoganyDermatology
✨ YouTube: youtube.com/@themelanininitiative
✨ Instagram: instagram.com/tmi.melanin
✨ Facebook: facebook.com/people/The-Melanin-Initiative
✨ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-melanin-initiative-podcast
✨ TikTok: tiktok.com/@themelanininitiative
✨ Podcast: buzzsprout.com/2186156
✨ Email Us: tmi.melanin@gmail.com
✨ Increase your Health Literacy IQ: Caring For Us: www.caring4us.org