Last Updated on October 5, 2006 by Paulette Brown-Hinds
In 2000, former Surgeon General David Satcher called “health disparity” the greatest threat to the survival of African-Americans since slavery.
The medical definition of health disparity is: a population-specific difference in the presence of disease, health outcomes or access to care.
The U.S. Minority Health Disparity Projects/Initiative defines health disparity as differences in health conditions and treatment outcomes that exist among and specifically target African-Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American-Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian-Americans and Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders.
In the U.S. an African American boy born in 1999 could expect to live for a little over 67 years. A Caucasian boy born in the same year could expect to live a little over 74 years. The Caucasian boy would have an additional 7 years to live. Such differences in health among groups of people are called health disparities.
Disagreements exist regarding the definition and use of the terms “disparity,” “inequality,” and “inequity”. Sometimes the term “disparity” is used interchangeably with terms such as “racial/ethnic” differences in health.
There is plenty of discussion on differences between better and worse-off groups. These disagreements often boil down to ‘who’ is deciding what is avoidable and unjust, and ‘how’ it is decided. For example, if your start with the premise that health is an individual’s responsibility, then you will not consider factors such as race, ethnicity, gender and economic condition. These conflicting views have serious implications for public policy, the allocation of funding and resources and reflect differing political and social ideologies.
The time has run out for debating and word-smithing. The question is as a resource rich society facing significant health disparities that can potentially be resolved, are we “good” enough? We have the collective goodwill as a society to change the future for millions of underrepresented minorities, the question is – are we willing?
You are invited to join the James Wesley Vines Medical Society and UCR for a free health summit: “Disparities in Health: Community Solutions”. The event will focus on HIV/AIDS, obesity, and improving access to higher education in health related fields. Friday October 20th . Location: UCR Extension, 1200 University Avenue, Riverside. Contact: Jeffery L. Clayton Sr. (951) 248-9288)
Stand up and be a part of the solution. If not you are part of the problem!