Salir
Getting regular checkups helps you catch health issues early and stay well. But not everyone gets the care they need when they need it.
Kaiser Permanente created the Center for Black Health and Wellness in Portland, Oregon, to help change that. It’s a place focused on prevention, continuity of care and early intervention – delivered by teams trained to understand how culture, access and risk factors affect health.
Marnasha Cetz is a nurse at the center. She says Black patients are more likely to have serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.
“If these problems aren’t treated, they can get worse,” she said.
That’s why she encourages people to get screenings. These tests help find health issues before they become more serious.
Building trust and better health
Screenings can help detect disease early, reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes. Consistent screening also strengthens the ongoing relationship between patients and their care teams.
“That’s what I love about our work,” said Cetz. “We’re helping our Black members get screened and build strong relationships with their doctors.”
Cetz grew up in North Portland. She wanted to give back to her community by offering care that respects people’s culture and background.
Before joining Kaiser Permanente in 2023, she worked in hospitals and often saw Black patients only when they were very sick.
“In health care, real change happens in primary care,” she said. “It happens when we follow patients over weeks and months — not just in moments of crisis.”
Connecting with members who need support
Cetz and her team use health data to identify members who may be overdue for screenings or follow-up care, allowing them to proactively reach out and close care gaps before conditions worsen.
“Building trust with our community is our foundation,” she said. “Many people have had negative experiences with health care — or know someone who has.”
Cetz understands this from her own life.
“I’ve had similar experiences that allow me to connect with patients in a more personal way,” she said. “That connection and trust is the first step toward helping people get healthier.”
That kind of connection matters. Studies show that people do better when their doctors understand their background and culture. Black patients especially do better when treated by Black doctors. Trust leads to stronger relationships and better care.
Helping you feel confident in your care
At the Center for Black Health and Wellness, it’s not just about checkups and screenings. It’s about delivering care that is clear, consistent, culturally competent, and clinically effective – so patients can make informed decisions, stay engaged in their care and achieve better health over time.
When you trust your care team and feel supported, it’s easier to take steps toward better health — and that’s what we’re here to help you do.
The Center for Black Health and Wellness is open to all Kaiser Permanente members.