Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American print issue

As we forge ahead into 2025, we are proud to present our annual "Health & The Black Community" issue and are honored to have the first Black CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Dr. Tyler TerMeer, grace our cover once again (the community advocate was on the cover of our March/April 2022 issue). TerMeer remains dedicated to growing SFAF and its many vital programs and services. Flip to page 8 to check out our Senior National Reporter Christopher Wiggins’s talk with TerMeer about the critical work of SFAF. Protecting the health of marginalized people as we move forward under a new presidential administration is top of mind.

Humor and joy are centered in a spread on the Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest (p.24), an annual event that proves laughter can often truly be the best medicine. Not only does Laff Fest support and elevate Black female comics, it brings awareness to important issues with its Mental Health and Wellness Initiative.

Other uplifting stories include our interview with Gerald Garth (p. 14, and pictured above with AMAAD team members), a health advocate who’s ensuring LGBTQ+ folks and people of color are taking care of themselves — inside and out. And don’t forget to check out our Wellness section, with informative features on testosterone therapy (p. 22), the latest vaccine news (p.18), and a yummy and heart-healthy smoothie recipe (p. 20).

Thank you for perusing our pages — we wish you the happiest and healthiest of times in the year ahead.

Be well,

Desiree Guerrero, Editor in Chief

READ THE COMPLETE JAN-FEB PRINT ISSUE OF HEALTH PLUS WELLNESS HERE: