In her own words, Dr. Gloria Anderson is, “an educator who cares about people.” She is also a minister, an assistant professor of social work at NC State University, and the creator of Let’s Talk About ACP, an educational advance care planning process specifically designed for the Black Community that addresses the spiritual, cultural, and historical values that many hold. She feels called to this work based on her own personal and professional experience with death and dying situations. “No one wants to talk about this, but it’s a conversation that’s desperately needed in many families”, she stated.
As a social work intern, she worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital, primarily with dialysis patients. When a system-wide effort was initiated to complete advance care documents, many black veterans were hesitant to do so and said they did not trust the system. A year later, the mistrust issue became a personal one when she was medically misdiagnosed and nearly died due to racial stereotyping. The inherited trauma of Tuskegee Institute’s unethical research with Black men who had contracted syphilis, but were not told so, is well-known in the Black Community. Its’ ripple effect on healthcare delivery continues to impact healthcare decision-making for many people of color. Dr. Anderson places much of her energy into overcoming disparities and helping to build a more equitable system of healthcare. “Victory”, she says, “will be when equality and equity are the standards throughout the healthcare system, as well as in all aspects of societal life.”
She further stated, “Bringing awareness to my community about the benefits of advance care planning and end-of-life care options begins with providing culturally appropriate information that is relatable and relevant. I believe that most anyone who wants to make a positive difference in this work can—if they have a heart to care and an opportunity to do so”.
Dr. Anderson is a firm believer in C-TAC’s mission to advocate for equitable care for all people with serious illnesses, regardless of their socioeconomic status or ethnic background. One of C-TAC’s Care Model’s Core Principles’ focuses on “person-centered and family-centered care”, which aligns with the organization’s role as a convener to amplify a diversity of voices and perspectives, all committed to one goal—equitable care.
The key to Dr. Anderson’s role as a Changemaker is her commitment to being the best educator she can be. “It’s my desire to continue teaching, sharing, and bringing culturally relevant information about advance care planning that leads to advocacy and empowerment in Communities of Color.”
Dr. Anderson remains hopeful that we can all be agents of positive change. She fervently expressed her thoughts: “It’s never too late! Despite all that is happening in the world around us, we must keep our faith. My life work is helping others, especially in situations of serious illness. If I can reach just one more person, that I will do. I see it as a part of my purpose and as a part of my legacy.”
There is no act too small to make a difference in the life of someone with a serious illness. And together, we can all make the change we seek.
For more information, visit:
Heart Tones
Let’s Talk About ACP
