Studies from State Health Departments, Advocacy Organizations Chart Minority Health Disparities
Not-for-profit organizations and health departments in several states have recently released studies on health disparities between whites and minorities. The following highlights the findings in Indiana, Massachusetts and Oklahoma:
- Indiana: Minorities have higher mortality rates from heart disease and diabetes than whites, according to a report from the state Department of Health that examined health statistics from 1995 to 1999. The report notes that in Marion County, for instance, blacks had a 20% higher rate of heart disease than whites and a diabetes death rate twice that of whites. State officials plan to use the study as a "blueprint" for addressing the disparities (Williams, Indianapolis Star, 5/1).
- Massachusetts: The MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation released a study April 30 that found health and quality of life in Massachusetts are "closely linked" to socioeconomic status. The study looked at 25 Boston-area communities and found that areas with high populations of low-income and minority residents have higher rates of teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. Edna Smith, chair of the foundation, said, "What we are finding is that in most categories, for African-Americans and Latinos in particular, the stats are more alarming." She added, "We want to pull together agencies and the town governments to say, this is what we've identified as unmet needs or priorities and please take a look at how you might work together to solve those" (Helman, Boston Globe, 5/1).
- Oklahoma: Hispanics in Oklahoma are at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer due to language, cultural and financial barriers they experience in accessing health services, the state Health Department found in a recent report. Few Hispanics in the state have health insurance, meaning that most seek medical care through county health departments and emergency rooms. As a result, Hispanic patients are typically sicker when they do access care. For example, Hispanic women have lower rates of breast cancer survival than whites because they are diagnosed later. In response, local health departments are beginning to hire interpreters (Killackey/Hinton, Daily Oklahoman, 4/30).
