Congressional Black Caucus Hosts Meeting in South Carolina To Discuss Racial Health Disparities

The Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute this past weekend held a meeting in South Carolina to examine racial health disparities, particularly among southern populations, the Columbia State reports. Members of the caucus hope that "by focusing on a small part of the country, they'll be able to make more of a direct impact on improving minority health," the State reports. Rep. Donna Christian-Christensen (D-U.S. Virgin Islands) said, "It's becoming increasingly apparent Southern minorities have greater disparities. All the top killers for African Americans are even worse in the southern areas." The two-day meeting focused on the how the environment, genetics and personal behavior affect health, and the need for more minority health professionals. "We can't [address the disparities] without making a significant investment in prevention and health maintenance," Christian-Christensen said, adding, "We're trying to make the point that it is time to close those gaps or we'll never be able to control health care costs" (Freiden, Columbia State, 6/7).