Exploring Health Care Disparities in Minority Populations Conference
Exploring Health Care Disparities in Minority Populations Conference
Mamie Hopkins Boyd | 2023
Abstract
During the past few decades, medicine has made tremendous advancements. Our life expectancy as Americans has increased by thirty years over the past hundred years as a result of improvements in public health, nutrition, and medical care. It should be noted that despite these strides, African Americans still face a disadvantage and experience health disparities compared to their white counterparts. Despite tremendous progress in improving the health and longevity of the American people, statistical trends demonstrate that minorities still experience significant health inequities. As defined by the National Institute on Minority Health (NIH), a health disparity is a health difference that adversely affects disadvantaged populations, generally due to a higher prevalence of risk factors, unhealthy behaviors, or clinical measures that contribute to disease outcomes. One of the most apparent disparities that the NIH describes is the shorter life expectancy and the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and many other diseases. Consequently, these disparities are believed to result from a variety of factors, including biological, environmental, and behavioral factors.
Conversely, a Conference on Minority Health Issues was an interactive one-day conference designed to promote and foster increased disparities in minority communities. According to the theme of this year’s conference, “Good Health: A Right or a Privilege,” minority groups are less likely to be covered by insurance and have less access to medical care. In presenting their views on this topic, the conference presenters used real-life evidence to support both perspectives, the debate on whether healthcare should be regarded as a right or a privilege. Accordingly, minority populations should have a right to health care in order to close the health care gap, as evidenced by the information presented during this conference. An additional post-course survey was administered in order to assess participants’ awareness of the training materials and commitment to putting into practice the insights they gained.