Forth-Worth Star-Telegram Examines Racial Health Disparities
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Nov. 3 examined health services that Texas hospitals provide to African Americans and Hispanics. According to an analysis by the Star-Telegram, there are "gaps" in the health outcomes of minorities and whites that persist "no matter how severe the illness or how people pay for their care." The following are some of the reasons for the disparities, according to the Star-Telegram:
- Some health officials and advocates believe there is an "unconscious bias" against minority patients among "overwhelmingly" white doctors.
- Minorities lack access to necessary resources, such as transportation or insurance.
- Minorities have a "fragile ... trust" of the medical community (Mitchell/Claassen, Forth Worth Star-Telegram, 11/3).
