Thread by @WesleyLowery

1/This month on #AmericaInBlackBET, we collaborated w/@propublica to shed light on the Black Amputation Epidemic -- Black Americans are 2-3x more likely to get major amputations than white Americans -- and highlight a doctor saving limbs and lives

features.propublica.org/diabetes-amput…

2/ Instead of undertaking efforts to restore blood flow, research shows that doctors disproportionately recommend that their Black patients undergo amputations -- a drastic, irreversible step.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK58756…

3/ Studies show that up to 80% of people who undergo a major amputation will die within 5 years.

In Mississippi, we spoke with Dr. Foluso Fakorede, an Interventional Cardiologist fighting to prevent amputations and educate the community.

4/ Dr. Fakorede says he sees far too many Black patients suffering from high rates of high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and diabetes. As a result, wounds on the feet and legs don’t heal, which lead to infection and, possibly, amputations.

Denise Harvey told us her story.

5/ “We have a system, again, that is designed to get the results it gets,” Dr. Fakorede said. “We spend a lot of money on amputations, but less money on preventative strategies to prevent those amputations like diabetes.”

6/ Dr. Fakorede opened a clinic where he provides medical interventions – opening arteries, restoring blood flow and hopefully preventing amputations before it’s too late.

7/ Dr. Fakorede says there have to be fundamental shifts in American healthcare. Medicare and Medicaid need to pay for screenings that would catch vascular issues early enough that limbs can be saved.

8/ This reporting, produced by @ashorland, builds on @lizziepresser's enlightening piece for @propublica about the Black amputation Epidemic. Learn more about her deep dive below:

features.propublica.org/diabetes-amput…

9/You can watch our full segment here, as part of the most recent episode of #AmericaInBlackBET on @betplus and @paramountplus and YouTube.