Black Organ Donation Crisis. 2027 Healthcare Changes. Healthy Travel #SecondOpinion

8.27.2026 #SecondOpinion w/ Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton: Black Organ Donation Crisis. 2027 Healthcare Changes. Healthy Travel | S1 E31

Black Americans make up a disproportionate share of the nation’s organ transplant waiting list, while remaining underrepresented among organ donors. In this episode of #SecondOpinion, Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton examines the disparities behind the numbers, major healthcare changes coming in 2027, and how to protect your health when traveling.

Physician and health equity advocate Dr. Brittani James breaks down why Black patients can face longer waits for lifesaving organ transplants, the factors contributing to transplant disparities, and changes involving race-based kidney function equations. She also confronts organ donation myths, the deep historical roots of medical mistrust in Black communities, and what healthcare institutions must do to rebuild trust.

Adimika Meadows Arthur, CEO of Health Tech 4 Medicaid, explains the federal healthcare changes expected in 2027 and what they could mean for Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage, eligibility, benefits, provider access, and out-of-pocket costs. She also explains why Black seniors and Black families should pay close attention as open enrollment approaches and what people should look for when reviewing their coverage.

OB-GYN Dr. Joy’El Ballard shares practical ways to stay healthy while traveling, including staying consistent with medications and vitamins, preventing dehydration, managing jet lag, making healthier food choices, and protecting your routine whether you're traveling by road, air, or sea.

In the Prescription of the Week, Dr. Hilton explains why losing your teeth is not an inevitable part of aging. She breaks down gum disease, tooth decay, dental implants, and the connection between oral health and conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pneumonia, and cognitive decline.

Black Star Network Partner: Chapter

For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (724) 2648281 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to *Paid Partnership*

Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan’s contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don’t directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Download the Black Star Network app at We're on iOS, AppleTV, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, XBox and SamsungTV.

The #BlackStarNetwork is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.