Author Archives: Sonita Claude-Simelus

About Sonita Claude-Simelus

Dr. Sonita Claude-Simelus, MD, DrPH, MPH, CHES®, is an Assistant Teaching Professor and mentor at the University of Missouri College of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health. Her work focuses on health equity, social determinants of health, and chronic disease prevention, particularly among historically and medically underserved communities. She is passionate about mentoring public health scholars, advancing health literacy, community engagement, and policies that reduce inequities in healthcare access and outcomes.

Rebuilding Trust: A Missing Piece in Chronic Disease Management

By | September 18, 2025

Chronic diseases—hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—are leading causes of death globally. In the United States, their burden is especially severe in African American communities. One often overlooked barrier in managing these conditions is medical trust. Without trust in healthcare, access, prevention, treatment, and long-term care are far less effective. Why Trust Matters in Healthcare Trust… Read More »