Effective public health interventions require culturally relevant strategies to bridge gaps between healthcare services and historically marginalized communities. This presentation explores the role of Black storytelling as a powerful tool in strengthening public health education and shaping health policies in Appalachia. With its deep roots in oral traditions, Black storytelling offers a unique method to address health disparities by making public health messages more accessible, relatable, and actionable. By centering the lived experiences of Black Appalachians, storytelling humanizes health data, fostering trust and engagement in communities where skepticism toward healthcare systems is prevalent. This session highlights the intersection of narrative and public health, examining how storytelling can be leveraged to advance disease prevention, policy advocacy, and health education. Through case studies and examples, the presentation will demonstrate how Black storytelling can amplify community voices, inform culturally responsive health interventions, and influence policy decisions that better reflect the needs of marginalized populations. By integrating these narratives into public health frameworks, professionals can enhance their capacity to address social determinants of health, improve health literacy, and empower communities to take ownership of their health outcomes. The discussion advocates for the intentional use of Black storytelling as a public health strategy to foster healing, promote health equity, and build stronger, more inclusive healthcare systems in Appalachia. This approach not only improves communication but also enhances the capacity of public health to protect and improve the health of all people in the region.

Dr. Marcia Dinkins is a public health advocate specializing in community-driven health strategies and Black storytelling in Appalachia. As a leader in the Black Appalachian Coalition, Dr. Dinkins has spearheaded initiatives focused on health equity, disease prevention, and culturally responsive health policies. Their work emphasizes trauma-informed care and the use of storytelling to build trust and empower marginalized communities. With advanced degrees in Leadership & Sustainability and Public Policy and Social Change, Dr. Dinkins integrates lived experiences into public health frameworks, advocating for equitable and sustainable solutions that address the unique needs of Black Appalachians