During April, we mark National Minority Health Month by raising awareness about the health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities. The theme of this year’s campaign, “Prevention is Power: Taking Action for Health Equity” emphasizes the critical role of prevention in reducing health disparities. It reminds us that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, should have the chance to reach their full health potential.
The United States spends more on health care than any other industrialized nation, yet millions of Americans lack the opportunity to lead a healthy life. While the overall health of most Americans has improved over time, differences in health for racial/ethnic minorities and other underserved communities have persisted for years. There is an increased incidence of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity among vulnerable groups who lack health insurance coverage and access to quality health care. Racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, residents of rural areas and other vulnerable groups more often face barriers to good health. These Americans are more likely to suffer substantially more health problems because of where they live, their race, their education or income.
Health disparities impose a steep cost on the U.S. economy and a heavy toll on the health and productivity of its people. Poor health impacts a student’s ability to learn and a worker’s ability to perform well at their job. Advancing the health, safety and well-being of Americans by promoting healthy behaviors and strengthening community-based efforts to prevent disease and injury benefits everyone.
Social factors are a powerful contributor to health disparities. The availability of nutritious food, safe workplaces and homes, walkable neighborhoods, reliable public transportation, and clean air and water all influence health. Creating environments that promote healthy behaviors to prevent and control diseases and their risk factors requires renewed commitment to prevention, with an emphasis on strengthening community policies to reduce high-risk behaviors. Actions to address the health, safety and well-being of racial and ethnic and minorities may include:
- Culturally sensitive outreach and support services emphasizing the importance of accessing health care services and health insurance coverage. This includes cancer screening efforts, enrollment into public insurance, and transportation support.
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate efforts to enhance interventions that prevent and control chronic diseases , and risk factors such as obesity and tobacco use.
- Efforts to prevent environment related diseases by protecting the quality of the air, water, and food accessed by all residents – regardless of their race or ethnicity
- Increased education, case management, and home-visiting services to improve the health of mothers and children at higher risk for health disparities
- Targeted activities to reduce disparities in vaccination against disease
With the help of partners, including government agencies, the private sector, community- and faith-based organizations, and leaders in our community, we can work together to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity for good health.