Community Trailblazer Spotlight: Kendal Lindsey

Last year, Hamilton County saw the fewest number of Black infant deaths on record. This came as a community of partners focused squarely on improving a longstanding racial disparity in birth outcomes. Many of these efforts were led by Black women. Over the next several weeks, we will be highlighting the stories of nine of these women. Read on to learn about Kendal Lindsey from TriHealth. 

Kendal Lindsey, MS, CHES, TTS specializes in Tobacco Cessation. She supports moms-to-be in achieving their smokefree goals through evidence-based, proven strategies, including one-on-one counseling. And, she carefully educates healthcare staff as they learn to have compassionate and impactful conversations with women. Giving mothers the support they need during their quit journey is Kendal’s main focus. 

Her work includes clearing up the misconception that it’s too late to change—it’s not. She believes as long as there is breath in your lungs, you have the power to make decisions that impact your life. She says, “We are human beings. We all have behaviors we have developed, whether we favor them or not. It will take a bit of digging, frustration, and even grief to become mindful of our actions. Once you practice that, the changes become limitless.” 

Kendal is more than a little optimistic about her work. In fact, the challenges she faces – like addressing the community and policy factors that influence smoking – make her even more determined to succeed. She is also a determined advocate for women’s health. This work is personal for her and she wants to knock down barriers that prevent women from excelling. 

Advocacy allows her to focus on her own strengths and needs. “I prefer to fight now, even on a small scale, so my children won’t have to. I come from a resilient community – I want to become my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” While progress has been made in improving the health of women and babies, Kendal realizes that there is still more work to be done. She says, “I love everything that comes with advocacy. Whether it is adversity, long-hours, or constantly changing work. I will see change in my lifetime, I guarantee it.”  

Kendal's advice for new moms: "There’s no handbook to be a parent and it’s okay to ask for help. Having a child is a life-changing event that no-one can prepare you for. Your emotions are valid and with the appropriate resources, you do not have to feel alone."