There's Room of North Carolina

By Bethany Johnson, Ph.D.

This year marks the largest retraction in scientific research, public health programming and funding for community-based food and medicine programs in our nation’s history. Healthcare has never been equitable or easily accessible; yet even this broken system is now under attack. What is new is the depth of loss and destruction, but what isn’t is the reality that the same folks are the target of these decisions and second, that we take care of each other. Amid this destruction, the historian in me wondered, “what resources do I need now? How can I deepen my understanding of community care? What other options are there for folks seeking accessible healthcare?” What I’ve found has me feeling challenged and hopeful for what’s possible as we build our community in the months and years ahead. It will not be pleasant or easy, but we can join the folks long dreaming of a different way. Here’s some of what I’ve found: 

Did you know that Americans continue to die of COVID-19 and contract Long COVID? How can we get reliable information on these topics? The independent news sources The Sick Times is the best place to start. Join their email list here and check out their podcast here. 

Did you know there is other independent media talking about healthcare as it pertains to state violence? The podcast Death Panel has some of the most forward-thinking guests and discussions I’ve found. Each episode stretches me— I often feel challenged, which means I know I’m getting what I need. 

• If you’d like to read a book by the hosts, check out
  • Health Communism
  • A Short History of Trans Misogyny

As these hosts always say, #medicareforall #stayalive 

Did you know there are lots of grassroots sources offering information in the absences of working institutions? There are groups with expertise and experience working for a just future in healthcare and medical practice. 

• Frontline Medics
• The People’s CDC
• Unbiased Science

What if you want to start more slowly, and leaping into the Death Panel podcast feels like too much—do you need something more basic? Here are some accounts I recommend. These are Instagram handles, but most are on TikTok and elsewhere too. There are great science communicators and public health specialists speaking out against the destruction of our (very imperfect) public health system, especially the new lack of oversight on food safety, the spread of infectious disease, and accessible vaccines. Most of these folks have a substack account too, if that’s your jam. 

• @unbiascedsciencepod [Podcast here]
• @jessicawilson.msrd [Website here, podcast here, and a little guest visit from me here!]
• @jessicamalatyrivera
• @drjessicaknurick
• @rubin_allergy [He tracks food recalls!]
• @sciencewhizliz
• @anitapatelmd
• @sciencewithanni
• @sciencemom_lb_public

Finally, the lack of access we might be worrying about is already here. My family was denied COVID-19 vaccines at Walgreens because we are younger than 65 and can’t prove we 1) have cancer or 2) another condition from a limited list immune-compromising condition. Here’s the thing: everyone should have access to a COVID-19 booster around every six months. 

• Did you know you can ask pharmacists at Walgreens and CVS to show you the written policy they follow if you have questions or concerns? 
• Did you know they have vaccine clinics all over Charlotte at our local Department of Health?
• Do you want to go with some folks from There’s Room to get a booster? Maybe your MMR now that North Carolina has a recorded case of measles?

We as an organization will continue to help you navigate the ever changing health landscape that we all are facing. Now more than ever we must be there for each other. I look forward to learning and advocating beside each of you. 

Bethany Johnson, Ph.D.