Healthcare access has been a significant issue throughout Black history, with African Americans facing numerous challenges in receiving quality medical care.

During times of slavery, enslaved Black individuals had limited access to medical treatment and often had to rely on remedies and care provided by other enslaved individuals or by slave owners. This lack of access to proper healthcare meant that many health conditions went untreated, leading to high mortality rates among the enslaved population.

After the abolition of slavery, Black Americans continued to face discrimination and segregation in healthcare facilities. Many hospitals and clinics refused to treat Black patients or provided them with substandard care. This led to the establishment of separate hospitals and healthcare facilities for Black communities, known as "Black hospitals," which were often underfunded and understaffed.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s brought attention to the disparities in healthcare access for Black Americans, leading to increased advocacy for equal access to medical care. The passage of laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the creation of Medicaid and Medicare helped to expand access to healthcare for marginalized communities, including Black Americans.

Despite these advancements, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes persist for Black Americans today. Black individuals continue to face higher rates of chronic health conditions, lower life expectancies, and barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Addressing these disparities requires ongoing efforts to address systemic racism, increase healthcare access, and promote equity in the healthcare system.