Advocates work to close healthcare gaps during National Minority Health Month
JACKSON, Tenn. — The United States continues to have the highest rate of maternal deaths of any high-income nation, according to a new study.
Despite advances in screening and treatment, significant disparities persist. During National Minority Health Month, advocates work to eliminate disparities in healthcare.
Data from the NAACP and the Administration for Community Living highlight significant issues affecting underserved communities across the U.S., including limited access.
“I think some things sometimes is that transportation can be an issue whether that’s getting to the doctor or getting to healthy foods,” said Ginger Rowsey, public information officer with Madison County Health.
According to nationalminorityhealthmonth.org, millions of minorities face systemic barriers, from lack of insurance and distance to implicit bias and mistrust built over generations.
Building trust in communities
“I think you have to work outside in your community and they see you and know you, to trust you,” said Ruby Kirby, CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital.
Kirby said they prioritize working with their local health counsels out in the field to address issues that may occur early.
“High blood pressure is always one of the major issues we deal with,” Kirby said. “We also see a high incident of diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise.”
Rowsey said taking personal responsibility over your health before a problem arises is the first step.
“We’re trying to protect your health before problems arise whether that’s through our environmental department who is looking at restaurants, checking restaurants, making sure things are healthy, food is being prepared properly,” Rowsey said. “Whether it’s our vaccine program, protecting you from infectious diseases.”
Health experts encourage you to take control of your health, schedule regular visits with your doctor, get cancer screenings and protect your brain health.
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