Why Black Health is at Risk And How We Can Fix It w/Matthew McCurdy

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🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lAd...


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ABOUT THE EPISODE
In this episode of *Macon Atlanta*, Brent Macon sits down with **Matthew McCurdy**, Executive Director and Co-Founder of BLKHLTH, to discuss public health, racial disparities in healthcare, and how structural racism impacts Black communities. Matthew shares his journey from aspiring diplomat to public health advocate, the founding of BLKHLTH, and the work his organization is doing to address systemic inequities. This conversation explores the intersection of health, policy, and social justice—offering insights into how individuals and institutions can drive meaningful change.

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⭐ Featured Guest: Matthew McCurdy, MPH
About the Guest:
Matthew McCurdy is a dedicated public health practitioner focused on creating innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities. As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of **BLKHLTH**, he leads initiatives aimed at dismantling racism and improving Black health outcomes. Originally from Atlanta, Matthew holds degrees from Georgia State University and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.

Connect with Matthew McCurdy:
Instagram: [@blkhlth](https://www.instagram.com/blkhlth/?hl=en)
LinkedIn: [Matthew McCurdy](  / matthewxmccurdy  )

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🎙️ Host: Brent Macon

Brent Macon is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host. As a dad and spiritual seeker, he's passionate about exploring how technology can help us live better, more connected lives. Through his podcast Macon Atlanta, Brent talks with interesting people about big ideas, personal growth, and building a thriving community. He believes in balancing ambition with well-being and using business as a force for good.

Connect With Brent:
Instagram:   / maconatlanta  
YouTube:    / @maconatlanta  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Macon-Atla...

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📺 About the Show:

Macon Atlanta is a podcast exploring big questions, bold ideas, and better living with inspiring Atlantans. Host Brent Macon sits down with innovators and thought leaders from diverse fields to delve into their stories, insights, and visions for creating a better world with more thriving.

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Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Making Atlanta Podcast
00:00:22 - Defining Public Health: "Everything is Public Health"
00:01:20 - The Journey to Founding Black Health
00:02:29 - Police Violence as a Public Health Issue
00:03:53 - Racism as a Structural Health Issue
00:05:57 - Black Health's Business Model and Partners
00:07:20 - Success Stories vs. Ineffective Approaches
00:08:55 - Challenging Victim-Blaming in Public Health
00:10:01 - Advil Partnership and Healthcare Education
00:11:38 - Defining Success in Public Health Work
00:14:34 - Equal Life Expectancy as The Ultimate Goal
00:15:38 - A Message to Well-Intentioned White Moderates
00:17:54 - Imagining a Future with Equitable Health
00:20:30 - Discussion on Privatization vs. Public Resources
00:23:21 - Community Resources and Economic Barriers
00:25:10 - Alternative Avenues for Creating Impact
00:27:39 - Historical Intersection of Anti-Communism and Racism
00:29:46 - American Capitalism as Racialized Capitalism
00:32:37 - The Problem of Civic Disengagement
00:34:39 - Personal Approach to Systemic Change
00:36:46 - Building Connection Through Truth and Responsibility
00:39:29 - Establishing Care and Finding Impactful Levers
00:41:38 - Personal Agency vs. Systemic Factors
00:45:44 - Government's Role in Population Health
00:49:40 - Closing Thoughts: Restructuring Relationships

#MaconAtlanta #Podcast #PublicHealth #BLKHLTH #Atlanta #HealthcareEquity