December 16, 2024 • 10 mins
The Center for Black Health & Equity is a leading nationally recognized public health entity that provides solutions to issues impacting African American health.
We engage health care organizations, public health officials, faith leaders, and African American communities in health promotion and disease prevention work.Our mission is to facilitate programs and services to benefit communities and people of African descent. We do this by building community capacity, developing community infrastructure, and advocating for equity-centered policies.
We are committed to addressing the social and economic injustices that have marginalized our communities and led to deep health disparities.We apply our proven framework for policy and social change to our work in tobacco control, COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, women’s health, cancer, mental health and other disparities.
We engage health care organizations, public health officials, faith leaders, and African American communities in health promotion and disease prevention work.Our mission is to facilitate programs and services to benefit communities and people of African descent. We do this by building community capacity, developing community infrastructure, and advocating for equity-centered policies.
We are committed to addressing the social and economic injustices that have marginalized our communities and led to deep health disparities.We apply our proven framework for policy and social change to our work in tobacco control, COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, women’s health, cancer, mental health and other disparities.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is IIHI Radio's CEOs. You should know I'm Keith Hodgkisson.
For many years, we've been learning about the social determinants
of health and the Center for Black Health and Equity
envisions of world where all people of African descent are
able to obtain optimal health outcomes. And we talk with
the team about a new initiative in Cleveland to help
produce sodium intake and why that's a huge first step
(00:23):
towards improving health outcomes in all communities. Bishop, can you
explain and introduce yourself why you're passionate about advocating for
a sodium warning label here in Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
My name is Bishop Chewey. I'm the grassroots organizer for
the Cut the Salt, Keep the Flavor campaign. It's led
by the Center for Black Health Inequity. I've spent the
last ten years working on public health initiatives here in
our city, focusing on racial equity, civic engagement, housing, and
community health. The growing rates of hypertension and heart disease
(00:57):
in our community are a major concern, and sodium consumption
plays a critical role in that. I'm passionate about advocating
for sodium warning label policy in Cleveland because it's about
empowering our community to make informed decisions that directly impact
their health.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
So this is really interesting, right because normally we think
of salt sodium as a flavor enhancer, as a good thing.
But how do you envision these warning labels impacting consumers'
food choices here in Cleveland.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
When consumers have access to clear, actionable information, they're more
likely to make healthier choices. Adding sodium warning labels to
menus gives us as individuals a quick and easy way
to understand the health risk associated with certain menu items,
empowering us to make choices that align with our health goals.
(01:52):
We know that many people in our community are already
looking for ways to reduce their sodium intake, and labels
will help guide them in the right direction. The initiative
is community driven and it aligns with what people are
asking for the ability to make healthier informed decisions when
we eat out. Ultimately, it will support the broader goal
(02:13):
of reducing hypertension rates, which is something that public health
professionals and residents alike are eager to tackle.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
So what challenges do you anticipate in trying to get
this policy passed? And what would you say to Cleveland
lawmakers about cut the salt, keep the Flavor initiative.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
So, one of the challenges we might face is resistance
from city council members who are concerned about how the
city will implement and enforce the sodium Warning label policy.
While it's true that implementing a new policy always presents challenges,
I believe these concerns are manageable and there are strong
systems in place to support this effort. First and foremost,
(02:54):
we are not starting from scratch. The Public Health Department
in the City of Cleveland would be a critical partner
and this initiative. They already have the infrastructure and experience
to support health related policies, including food safety and nutrition standards.
In fact, the health Department can play a central role
in ensuring compliance with the sodium Warning Label policy.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
So, as community leader like yourself playing a key role
in advocating for policies, why is this important for the
lawmakers to recognize?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Well, community leaders are the voices of the people, and
we are in a unique position to help lawmakers understand
what residents want and need. We've listened to the community
and there's a widespread support for policies that improve public health,
particularly those that address chronic conditions like hypertension. We're here
(03:46):
to represent the collective will, and this initiative has the
full backing of the community. Lawmakers need to recognize that
policies like sodium warning labels are not just the top
down mandate. They are community driven solutions to resources like
the community Health Needs Assessment that will help resonate with
(04:07):
voters and have a lasting positive impact on public health.
The community is ready now, it's the time for policy
to catch up with.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Their needs well, and good public policy means good public health.
What do you hope the short term and long term
impacts of this policy will be for the city and
is residents.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
In the short term, we hope to see an increase
in consumer awareness about the risk of excessive sodium consumption,
particularly in restaurants. People will be empowered to make healthier choices,
and we'll start to see more restaurants offering lower sodium
options as they respond to consumer demand. And the long term,
(04:49):
our goal is to see a significant reduction and hypertension
rates and improve heart health for our residents. The policy
will play an important rule in addressing the root causes
of many chronic diseases, which will not only help improve
individual lives, will also reduce healthcare costs and strain on
(05:11):
our public health system. Ultimately, we wanted to see a healthier,
more informed community and this initiative is a crucial step
towards achieving that vision.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Congratulations on your leadership on this important initiative. Thanks for
joining us, Bishop Chewey, the leader of the cut the Salt,
Keep the Flavor campaign to help keep Cleveland healthier. Thanks
for joining us today.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And now here on iHeartRadio's CEOs, you should know we
turn to Lou, a community advocate, and Lou, can you
introduce yourself and explain why you're passionate about advocating for
the sodium warning label here in our city.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
I have been a residence in Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
For you know, for real while a couple of decades,
so I have known the community well to a degree
to know that in our community we have lots of
people having the same group of the health issues. And
the situation here actually is simple. People should eat properly
(06:24):
to build their health to begin with, not just going
to doctors to get the pills right.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
So having this sodium.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Label actually help people in many different ways. For most
people in our community who need to cut down the
sodium intake, when you see the warning sign saying sodium
is too high in this dish, you can order the
one not having this warning label, so you know you
can get it lower. On the other hand, some of
(06:56):
the people their doctor actually tell them they need to
take a higher because their body cannot keep the sodium.
Their metabolisms are different, so they can just order the
one with a high sodium label that actually helps them.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Yes, I wouldn't have thought that people needed more sodium,
but I.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Believe me, if you have people with high blood pressure
even in their DNA at the same time, you know
there are people in their DNA they tend to have
a very low, extreme low blood pressure as well. Same thing,
it goes to your cholesterol level, same thing it goes
to your.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Blood sugar level.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Interesting, So this will be a very good help to
other community member in our area, not only for the people.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Really living in Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
That will help the people come into Cleveland to work daily, right,
because who can really bring their lunch or dinner or
whatever all the time with them? Now nobody can, So
you have to eat while you are in Cleveland.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
This isn't important initiative in terms of reducing people's sodium
intake if it's needed and increasing it if it's needed
as well. Right, what got you interested in this kind
of advocacy? How did you get involved in this particular coalition?
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Well, I have been helping lots of people, especially on
their housing issue. I have noticed that for people getting
a bad housing situations in general, their financial situation is
also not good.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
And that also means.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
For a very long time they have not been even
to eat properly for themselves. They are so busy struggling
with their life daily day out, taking care of the
loved ones around them, and lots of time they have
to make a decision between their food and their medication.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
I see. So if we can just eat to.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
Get our health right, then we will not be need
to depend on the medication.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Part of it.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Right. Interesting? Yes, what do you see as challenges to
getting the past in the city. Is there something listeners
who believe this is a very good policy can do
to help advocate on the behalf of the policy.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
When people hear the word about a legislation, they always
think about something very harsh. Somebody will actually get burdened.
But this is not that kind of legislation. We just
want the city to help the restaurant to put out
this label on their menu for menu items.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
We are not telling a restaurant you cannot put the salt.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
You can to make sure they have.
Speaker 4 (09:34):
Yeah, we just want people, even you work in the
restaurant or you just come to a restaurant, no matter
fast food, sit down food, slow food, you know, any
kind of food, you will be able to make an
informed decision.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
So this legislation is partnered with the Center for Black
Health and Equity. It is the sodium warning labels on
our food in Cleveland, and Lou, you've been in trumental
in helping us get it. There is there anything else
you want to add to as we wrap up today.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Well, I hope people will understand this is not just
ancient Chinese secret. I'm Chinese descent. Eating healthy is possible.
You can eat the food you can afford, you love,
and you will get a health from it.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
The old fashioned saying that you are where you eat
still applies. Lou, thanks for being here today. Thank you,
and this has been iHeartRadio CEOs You should know. I'm Keithochkis.
We'll see you next time.
This is IIHI Radio's CEOs. You should know I'm Keith Hodgkisson.
For many years, we've been learning about the social determinants
of health and the Center for Black Health and Equity
envisions of world where all people of African descent are
able to obtain optimal health outcomes. And we talk with
the team about a new initiative in Cleveland to help
produce sodium intake and why that's a huge first step
(00:23):
towards improving health outcomes in all communities. Bishop, can you
explain and introduce yourself why you're passionate about advocating for
a sodium warning label here in Cleveland.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
My name is Bishop Chewey. I'm the grassroots organizer for
the Cut the Salt, Keep the Flavor campaign. It's led
by the Center for Black Health Inequity. I've spent the
last ten years working on public health initiatives here in
our city, focusing on racial equity, civic engagement, housing, and
community health. The growing rates of hypertension and heart disease
(00:57):
in our community are a major concern, and sodium consumption
plays a critical role in that. I'm passionate about advocating
for sodium warning label policy in Cleveland because it's about
empowering our community to make informed decisions that directly impact
their health.
Speaker 1 (01:15):
So this is really interesting, right because normally we think
of salt sodium as a flavor enhancer, as a good thing.
But how do you envision these warning labels impacting consumers'
food choices here in Cleveland.
Speaker 3 (01:30):
When consumers have access to clear, actionable information, they're more
likely to make healthier choices. Adding sodium warning labels to
menus gives us as individuals a quick and easy way
to understand the health risk associated with certain menu items,
empowering us to make choices that align with our health goals.
(01:52):
We know that many people in our community are already
looking for ways to reduce their sodium intake, and labels
will help guide them in the right direction. The initiative
is community driven and it aligns with what people are
asking for the ability to make healthier informed decisions when
we eat out. Ultimately, it will support the broader goal
(02:13):
of reducing hypertension rates, which is something that public health
professionals and residents alike are eager to tackle.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
So what challenges do you anticipate in trying to get
this policy passed? And what would you say to Cleveland
lawmakers about cut the salt, keep the Flavor initiative.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
So, one of the challenges we might face is resistance
from city council members who are concerned about how the
city will implement and enforce the sodium Warning label policy.
While it's true that implementing a new policy always presents challenges,
I believe these concerns are manageable and there are strong
systems in place to support this effort. First and foremost,
(02:54):
we are not starting from scratch. The Public Health Department
in the City of Cleveland would be a critical partner
and this initiative. They already have the infrastructure and experience
to support health related policies, including food safety and nutrition standards.
In fact, the health Department can play a central role
in ensuring compliance with the sodium Warning Label policy.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
So, as community leader like yourself playing a key role
in advocating for policies, why is this important for the
lawmakers to recognize?
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Well, community leaders are the voices of the people, and
we are in a unique position to help lawmakers understand
what residents want and need. We've listened to the community
and there's a widespread support for policies that improve public health,
particularly those that address chronic conditions like hypertension. We're here
(03:46):
to represent the collective will, and this initiative has the
full backing of the community. Lawmakers need to recognize that
policies like sodium warning labels are not just the top
down mandate. They are community driven solutions to resources like
the community Health Needs Assessment that will help resonate with
(04:07):
voters and have a lasting positive impact on public health.
The community is ready now, it's the time for policy
to catch up with.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Their needs well, and good public policy means good public health.
What do you hope the short term and long term
impacts of this policy will be for the city and
is residents.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
In the short term, we hope to see an increase
in consumer awareness about the risk of excessive sodium consumption,
particularly in restaurants. People will be empowered to make healthier choices,
and we'll start to see more restaurants offering lower sodium
options as they respond to consumer demand. And the long term,
(04:49):
our goal is to see a significant reduction and hypertension
rates and improve heart health for our residents. The policy
will play an important rule in addressing the root causes
of many chronic diseases, which will not only help improve
individual lives, will also reduce healthcare costs and strain on
(05:11):
our public health system. Ultimately, we wanted to see a healthier,
more informed community and this initiative is a crucial step
towards achieving that vision.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Congratulations on your leadership on this important initiative. Thanks for
joining us, Bishop Chewey, the leader of the cut the Salt,
Keep the Flavor campaign to help keep Cleveland healthier. Thanks
for joining us today.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
And now here on iHeartRadio's CEOs, you should know we
turn to Lou, a community advocate, and Lou, can you
introduce yourself and explain why you're passionate about advocating for
the sodium warning label here in our city.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
I have been a residence in Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
For you know, for real while a couple of decades,
so I have known the community well to a degree
to know that in our community we have lots of
people having the same group of the health issues. And
the situation here actually is simple. People should eat properly
(06:24):
to build their health to begin with, not just going
to doctors to get the pills right.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
So having this sodium.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Label actually help people in many different ways. For most
people in our community who need to cut down the
sodium intake, when you see the warning sign saying sodium
is too high in this dish, you can order the
one not having this warning label, so you know you
can get it lower. On the other hand, some of
(06:56):
the people their doctor actually tell them they need to
take a higher because their body cannot keep the sodium.
Their metabolisms are different, so they can just order the
one with a high sodium label that actually helps them.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Interesting.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Yes, I wouldn't have thought that people needed more sodium,
but I.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Believe me, if you have people with high blood pressure
even in their DNA at the same time, you know
there are people in their DNA they tend to have
a very low, extreme low blood pressure as well. Same thing,
it goes to your cholesterol level, same thing it goes
to your.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Blood sugar level.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Interesting, So this will be a very good help to
other community member in our area, not only for the people.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
Really living in Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (07:44):
That will help the people come into Cleveland to work daily, right,
because who can really bring their lunch or dinner or
whatever all the time with them? Now nobody can, So
you have to eat while you are in Cleveland.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
This isn't important initiative in terms of reducing people's sodium
intake if it's needed and increasing it if it's needed
as well. Right, what got you interested in this kind
of advocacy? How did you get involved in this particular coalition?
Speaker 4 (08:13):
Well, I have been helping lots of people, especially on
their housing issue. I have noticed that for people getting
a bad housing situations in general, their financial situation is
also not good.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
And that also means.
Speaker 4 (08:28):
For a very long time they have not been even
to eat properly for themselves. They are so busy struggling
with their life daily day out, taking care of the
loved ones around them, and lots of time they have
to make a decision between their food and their medication.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
I see. So if we can just eat to.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
Get our health right, then we will not be need
to depend on the medication.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Part of it.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Right. Interesting? Yes, what do you see as challenges to
getting the past in the city. Is there something listeners
who believe this is a very good policy can do
to help advocate on the behalf of the policy.
Speaker 4 (09:09):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:10):
When people hear the word about a legislation, they always
think about something very harsh. Somebody will actually get burdened.
But this is not that kind of legislation. We just
want the city to help the restaurant to put out
this label on their menu for menu items.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
We are not telling a restaurant you cannot put the salt.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
You can to make sure they have.
Speaker 4 (09:34):
Yeah, we just want people, even you work in the
restaurant or you just come to a restaurant, no matter
fast food, sit down food, slow food, you know, any
kind of food, you will be able to make an
informed decision.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
So this legislation is partnered with the Center for Black
Health and Equity. It is the sodium warning labels on
our food in Cleveland, and Lou, you've been in trumental
in helping us get it. There is there anything else
you want to add to as we wrap up today.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
Well, I hope people will understand this is not just
ancient Chinese secret. I'm Chinese descent. Eating healthy is possible.
You can eat the food you can afford, you love,
and you will get a health from it.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
The old fashioned saying that you are where you eat
still applies. Lou, thanks for being here today. Thank you,
and this has been iHeartRadio CEOs You should know. I'm Keithochkis.
We'll see you next time.
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