Racial Disparities in Healthcare (Post 1)
Addressing Racism and Indifferences in the Healthcare System
As we have read in our school textbooks about the history of slavery in America, the unfaltering effect it has on our country has created systems of oppression, one of that being our healthcare system. It is evidently shown throughout the years that racial and ethnic minorities have faced inequalities in the healthcare system and African Americans happen to be the most marginalized group among them. Some of these inequalities are lack of access to quality healthcare services, inability to obtain health care insurance and coverage, greater risk of chronic diseases, higher mortality rates, and so many more problems. To understand why we see these outcomes in the black community, we need to recognize that racism lies at the foot of the problem.
How and Why I Became Interested
I grew up not only learning about the oppression of African-Americans in school but seeing it occur on broadcasted news and social media platforms. Since I am only 20 years old, and racial inequality and discrimination against black people started before my time and are still continuing, it makes me wonder when and how will it be dismantled. I sparked an interest specifically in this topic because I am a supporter of the Black Lives Matter Movement and I am working towards a nursing degree. As a person who wants to pursue a career in the medical field, I believe that everyone deserves the right to the same quality health care, and I think it is important to learn about and address faults in the healthcare system that I wish to work in. Being a person of color (POC), and part of Gen Z, has also influenced me to become more socially involved in human rights. Advocating for better treatment of black people in the healthcare system not only does them justice, but sheds light on other racial minorities, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled individuals, etc. and their fight for equality as well. By doing research and exploring this topic, I will deepen my understanding of how and why there are significant health differences in the black community.
Statistics on Poorer Health in Black Americans
Data gathered over time allows us to see significant differences in healthcare between blacks and their white counterparts. Washington Post’s “Racism in care leads to health disparities, doctors and other experts say as they push for change”, published on July 11, 2020 by Tonya Russell says that black Americans die younger than white Americans. This is supported by the fact that they have higher rates and greater risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and asthma. Russel addresses the black infant mortality rate as an example, and that there are 11.4 deaths per 1,000 live births for blacks compared to 4.9 for whites. Factual evidence like this cannot be ignored, especially since this data has been accumulated over time and that we can see there has been no significant change to the disproportionate rates between blacks and whites. The novel coronavirus also is a current example of these differences in healthcare — Juliana Menasce from Pew Research issued her article on June 26, 2020, “Views on why Black Americans face higher COVID-19 hospitalization rates vary by party, race and ethnicity” and shared from a survey that, “[most U.S. adults say] black people are more likely to have other health conditions that put them at risk [and] less likely to have adequate health care”. Poorer health in African Americans compared does not exist without a reason, we can also make the connection that racism also has to do with the livelihood of many African Americans. All of these percentage comparisons and statistical analysis are proof that there is division in health outcomes as well as access of health care services.
Why do Racial Differences in Health need further exploration?
Health is a number one priority, whether that be physical or mental health. The fact that a person’s race has affected their ability to acquire good healthcare, which results in poorer health, is a subject that needs to be discussed. Talking about racism may be an uncomfortable conversation to some, however, it is important to raise awareness and address the impact it has on societal systems, in this case, the healthcare system. Researching this topic could influence others to find interest in relatable topics such as racism in other systems and institutions including education, workplace, or the justice system. It may also encourage others to learn about discrimination against other groups alongside the Black community.
Works Cited
Horowitz, Juliana Menasce. “Views on Why Black Americans Face Higher COVID-19 Hospitalization Rates Vary by Party, Race and Ethnicity.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 7 Aug. 2020, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/06/26/views-on-why-black-americans-face-higher-covid-19-hospitalization-rates-vary-by-party-race-and-ethnicity/.
Russell, Tonya. “Racism in Care Leads to Health Disparities, Doctors and Other Experts Say as They Push for Change.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 11 July 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/health/racism-in-care-leads-to-health-disparities-doctors-and-other-experts-say-as-they-push-for-change/2020/07/10/a1a1e40a-bb9e-11ea-80b9-40ece9a701dc_story.html.