The US has become increasingly diverse in the last century and today approximation 36 percent of the US population belongs to a racially or ethnic minority group. Gender can also place someone into a minority group as well, specifically, being a female. Though health indicators, such as life expectancy, have improved for most Americans, some minority populations experience a disproportionate burden of preventable disease, death and disability when compared to their non-minority counterparts. In fact, racial/ethnic minorities are up to 2 times more likely than Caucasians to have one or more chronic diseases, or comorbidities.

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health has published population profiles for some of the most prominent racial/ethnic minority groups: Black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino American, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Minority Health: Recent Findings - This report helps us to identify disparities specific to racial/ethnic groups. Specifically, we can see that some Latinas have higher rates of cervical cancer than other ethnic groups, Female and Black stroke patients are less likely to receive recurrent stroke preventive care, Black and Hispanic patients tend to have have a difficult time maintaining control of blood pressure, and the list goes on.

Through education and having deeper conversations with one another, we can better address each person’s individual needs and risks and work together to set healthy goals. Please feel free to discuss further with any of our Care Coordinators.