While researching racism and health disparities among the African American (AA) community, I came across several online websites that advocate against the determinants of health for marginalized populations. Health disparities are real. According to a “Think Cultural Health” video, African American men die ten years earlier than white men in Chicago (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2019). This statistic is not just because of street violence but healthcare inequity. The chronic diseases reported among some African American communities are due to the lack of housing, transportation, and food security (Society for Public Health Education, 2021). Why is this so? Is systemic racism causing a barrier to health equity within U.S. healthcare organizations?
Prevention and Intervention programs are essential to address systemic racism in healthcare. “Healthy People” is a framework of objectives that help improve the well-being and health of all individuals. The “Healthy People” initiative suggests that healthcare organizations do the following: prioritize their need to identify populations affected by disparities; rely on national data to set goals; look for evidence-based intervention and tools to use; and monitor the progress of all their plans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019). Programs like Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) have partnered with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, assisted minority populations like the AA community to receive equal opportunities for healthcare (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Within my hometown of New York City, the Bronx REACH program has successfully partnered with 70 community-based organizations, health care providers, faith-based institutions, housing, and social service agencies to promote health awareness among the African American community. Health awareness includes understanding the dangers of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use related to healthcare outcomes (Society for Public Health Education, 2021).
Cultural competency is also critical to the AA patient’s health outcomes, mortality, and morbidity rates. Good healthcare includes providers focusing on understanding a patient’s complete history, having access to the correct diagnostic tests, providing the proper diagnosis, and developing treatment plans that the patient understands and follows. A good relationship between providers and AA patients through cultural competency can achieve each point mentioned. Language can also be a barrier to seeking proper healthcare. Healthcare can worsen with a lack of resources, especially for black and brown individuals whose first language is not English. Therefore, establishing effective communication between the providers and patient is crucial to eliminating healthcare disparities. As one healthcare provider said, “If it isn’t culturally and linguistically appropriate, it isn’t real healthcare” (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2019).
Unfortunately, diversity in this country seems to be a challenge for some healthcare organizations to manage. Healthcare disparities continue to exist, but I’m glad there is a movement to discontinue systemic racism through healthcare organizations and programs. As a DBH, I believe that joining the movement for social justice and health equity is my responsibility and should be a focal point in my career. Having an awareness of the lack of health equity is the beginning of change. The lack of cultural competency must stop because America is becoming more diverse, and this trend isn’t going to slow down. (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2019).
References
Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2019, May 1). Think Cultural Health: Why culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) matter. https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 15). Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/
Society for Public Health Education. (2021). Urban REACH communities. https://www.sophe.org/focus-areas/health-equity/reach/reach-urban-communities/
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