photo by steed media service

As health care officials, political pundits, and presidential hopefuls discuss the health care problem in this country, one particular aspect of the current state of health care is being given very little attention: the health care disparity for minorities. Dr. Denise Christian, chief medical officer for AmeriChoice United Healthgroup, is working to make sure the public recognizes the seriousness of a problem which must be immediately addressed. “We know that blacks, Hispanics and those that are poor have a lower level of care that they receive from the health care system,” she explains. “We must address this by first of all, letting everyone know that this situation exists. Education is key [and] each of these groups needs to sound out about the health disparity situation.”

Dr. Christian encourages her colleagues to be honest about the health care crisis, so that everyone can work to erase the discrepancy. “Health care professionals must respond by acknowledging [that] there are components of race, economics and poverty that are breeding health care disparity situations in this country,” explains Dr. Christian of her efforts to promote community awareness. “We know that cancer deaths, mortality, heart disease and stroke are increasingly problems in our communities.” “We must respond with a message of wellness, prevention [and] access,” she says. “[That means] getting to your doctor, getting care and acknowledging your rights as a patient to demand the care that you need from your doctor.”

Hopefully, if everyone takes an active role, we can begin to shift this sad reality. -todd williams

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