"Of all the forms of inequality,
injustice in health care is the most
shocking and inhumane."
– Dr. Martin Luther King
Racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. are more likely to lack health insurance, receive lower-quality care, and suffer from worse health outcomes. While the causes of health disparities are complex, we know the time to take action is now . . .
So You Think You Know Minority Health? is a new interactive game from Families USA's Minority Health Initiative. Based on the classic Jeopardy game, it is designed to test your knowledge of the health disparities facing people of color in America today. Check it out.
The Latest
Joint Center Analyzes Health Equity Provisions in Federal Health Reform Bills
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute, in partnership with the Drexel University School of Public Health Center for Health Equality and Health Management Associates, will analyze major health reform bills in the 111th Congress to assess how they address racial and ethnic health and health care inequities. Click here for an analysis of the first health reform bill that has been introduced, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee's "Affordable Health Choices Act." (June 2009)
New Kaiser Family Foundation Report: Women’s Health Disparities at the State Level
A new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Putting Women’s Health Disparities on the Map: Examining Racial and Ethnic Disparities at the State Level, examines the extent of health disparities at the state level between women of different racial and ethnic groups. The report includes 25 indicators, such as insurance coverage and health screenings, and also looks at factors that influence health and access to care, such as education and income. To read the news release or view the webcast of the report release, click here. (June 2009)
New Health Disparities Reported Released by HHS
During a Health Care Stakeholder Discussion that was recently held at the White House, HHS Secretary Sebelius highlighted a new report recently released by HHS, Health Disparities: A Case for Closing the Gap. The report findings show that, despite spending more than any other country on health care, disparities persist: Low-income Americans and racial and ethnic minorities experience disproportionately higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to care. (June 2009)
Families USA Releases Issue Brief on How CHIP Reauthorization Addressed Health Disparities
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA): Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities examines four key provisions in the new law: investing in outreach, increasing access for legal immigrant children and pregnant women, increased funding for interpretation and translation services, and establishing new quality of care measures. It also includes action steps for advocates. (June 2009)
Keep Up-to-Date
Minority Health Connection: This monthly newsletter was launched to keep advocates connected to the most pressing issues affecting minority health. Topics include the latest resources in minority health, how major health policy issues affect communities of color, and comments from leaders in the field of racial and ethnic health disparities.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
If you have questions about minority health, or if you have suggestions about topics that you'd like to see addressed on our Web site, please let us know. For more information about Families USA and our work in minority health, contact Rea Pañares, Director of Minority Health Initiatives, at 202-628-3030.
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