New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association
About New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association
Born from personal struggle transformed into purpose, the New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association serves Ocean Grove, NJ and the surrounding region as a beacon of health justice and community healing. In 2019, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and New Jersey's alarming Black maternal mortality crisis, Dr. Pamela Brug and fellow physicians Drs. Campbell-Oparaji, Hutchinson-Colas, and Toni Otway founded NJBWPA to center compassion and expertise in healthcare. The organization exists because Black women physicians witnessed correctable systemic failures claiming lives and chose to act. BWPA is more than a professional network—it's a community-centered movement that forms deep partnerships with local advocates, doulas of color, medical institutions, and policymakers to provide mentorship, education, and healthcare navigation for those most vulnerable. The association's vision is clear: every individual deserves a C.A.R.E. physician managing their health journey. What distinguishes BWPA is its commitment to addressing root causes of health injustice rather than merely treating symptoms. The organization bridges gaps between physicians and communities, amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized in healthcare. Since its founding, BWPA has proven that when Black women physicians lead with intention and compassion, health outcomes improve dramatically. Under the leadership of Executive Director Viergela Louidor, appointed in May 2025, the organization continues to challenge structural inequities and build systems-changing approaches to health equity. Operating from Ocean Grove, NJ, BWPA represents a powerful example of physician activism, community trust, and the transformative potential of centering C.A.R.E. in every aspect of healthcare delivery.