Getting Loud With Sharon Washington

In this emotionally charged episode of "No Longer Silent," Sharon Washington Barnes shares a deeply personal and tragic story about her brother, Shawn, who lost his life due to what she believes was systemic racism and medical negligence. Sharon recounts Shawn's harrowing experience with multiple healthcare facilities that failed to provide adequate care, ultimately leading to his untimely death at the age of 29. Despite the profound loss, Sharon has become a fierce advocate for healthcare reform, using her brother's story to push for legislative changes and to support other families facing similar injustices.

The episode delves into the systemic issues within the healthcare system, particularly how they affect Black and Brown communities. Sharon discusses her involvement with the Fairness for Patients Act, which seeks to dismantle predatory laws that limit compensation for medical negligence cases. She also highlights the importance of advocacy and education, sharing resources like the Change for Shawn toolkit, which empowers individuals to navigate healthcare systems and advocate for themselves and their loved ones.