8:30 pm - February 20, 2025
In Cleveland, a clinic dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities faced by Black women and children recently celebrated its third anniversary with the grand opening of a second location. Village of Healing was founded to tackle the systemic inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes for Black communities in Cuyahoga County. This clinic has become a beacon of hope for many, including patient Angel Jacobs, who shared her transformative experience. Jacobs, who has been visiting the clinic since its inception in Euclid, described how the staff’s understanding and culturally sensitive approach completely changed her perspective on healthcare. “They talked to me in a way that allowed me to understand what I needed to do to get healthier, to get better, and to maintain not only my health but my mental health,” she said. Jacobs’ gratitude for the care she received led her to celebrate the opening of the clinic’s second location in Cleveland’s Buckeye-Shaker community, a neighborhood where 40% of the Euclid clinic’s patients reside. Founder Dana Langford emphasized the importance of bringing care directly to the communities that need it most, stating, “The whole purpose of Village of Healing is access to culturally sensitive care. So, if 40% of your patients are coming from one location, you need to take the care to them.”
Over the past three years, Village of Healing has made significant strides in improving health outcomes for Black women and children, particularly in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Langford highlighted the clinic’s achievements, noting that in 2024, 95% of the Black women they cared for delivered their babies after 37 weeks of pregnancy, a milestone that should be the norm but is often a challenge for Black women due to systemic disparities. She also praised the clinic’s family nurse practitioner, Amber Black, for her exceptional work in managing conditions like diabetes, with a 98% hemoglobin A1c control rate, far exceeding expectations. “We’re not just talking about what we’re doing, but we’re showing that we are the solution,” Langford said. The clinic’s success is a testament to the power of culturally sensitive care and community-focused health services.
The clinic’s environment is as intentional as its mission. From the moment patients walk in, they are surrounded by symbols of African heritage and vibrant colors, creating a space that feels welcoming and affirming. The walls feature images of Africa, and the rooms are named after influential Black individuals and historical events. This contrasts sharply with the sterile, impersonal atmosphere often found in traditional healthcare settings. Langford explained, “When you walk into the space, you know that this was created for our community. From the pictures on the wall to the colors throughout the suite, it’s not the white, sterile hospital vibe. The Black faces you see at the front desk and throughout the clinic remind you that this space is ours.” This intentional design fosters trust and a sense of belonging, which are critical for improving health outcomes in communities that have historically been marginalized.
The need for clinics like Village of Healing is underscored by stark health disparities in Ohio. According to Policy Matters Ohio, Black Ohioans are more likely to die from chronic diseases than other racial groups, largely due to inadequate access to quality healthcare. These disparities motivated Langford to expand Village of Healing’s reach. “Do we continue to watch our communities suffer? Do we continue to watch our communities die at much higher rates? Get sicker at much higher rates with no action plan in place? So, we have to do something now because there’s no other option,” she said. The clinic’s second location in Cleveland’s Buckeye-Shaker community is just the beginning. With the support of Youngstown city officials, Village of Healing plans to open its third location in Youngstown by the end of 2025. Langford hinted at even further expansion, stating, “Youngstown won’t be it either. They are laying the pavement for how this will be done as we continue to expand.”
Village of Healing’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of community-led solutions. By prioritizing culturally sensitive care and addressing systemic inequalities, the clinic is setting a precedent for how healthcare should be delivered to marginalized communities. As Langford and her team continue to expand their reach, they are not only saving lives but also challenging the status quo in healthcare. Their work serves as a reminder that equitable healthcare is not just a goal—it’s a necessity, and it’s possible when communities take charge of their own health and well-being.
In celebration of its third anniversary and the opening of its second location, Village of Healing stands as a testament to the impact of community-focused healthcare. The clinic’s commitment to cultural sensitivity, accessibility, and exceptional care has already made a difference in the lives of countless individuals. As it looks to the future, Village of Healing is poised to become a model for addressing health disparities in communities across Ohio and beyond. By putting the needs of Black women and children at the forefront, the clinic is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all.