5 Most Common Healthcare Concerns for African-Americans
In bustling hospitals and clinics, the sounds of beeping medical devices and machines echo through the halls. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingers in the air, while the hurried, soft footsteps of tired medical professionals create a sense of urgency. Amidst this backdrop, African Americans face a myriad of healthcare concerns that demand attention and resolution.
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right that every individual should have, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, for African-Americans, there are several healthcare concerns that need to be addressed to ensure equal and quality healthcare for all. In this article, I share my thoughts on the five most common healthcare concerns for African-Americans and discuss their impact on the African American community.
1. Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, can have severe physical effects on individuals, particularly African-Americans, who are disproportionately affected. For instance, diabetes can lead to complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, puts individuals at a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide, can cause heart attacks, heart failure, and other life-threatening conditions. Getting a cap on insulin costs has been a target initiative for the Biden-Harris administration.
The physical effects of these chronic diseases not only impact the overall health and well-being of individuals but also contribute to healthcare disparities within the African-American community. These disparities arise because of various factors, including limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic barriers, and systemic racism. As a result, African-Americans may face challenges in receiving timely and appropriate medical care, leading to higher rates of complications and poorer health outcomes.
To address these healthcare disparities, it is crucial to focus on addressing the root causes of chronic diseases within the African-American community. This includes promoting education and awareness about healthy lifestyle choices, such as proper nutrition and regular physical activity, which can help prevent the onset of these conditions. Additionally, early detection through regular screenings and check-ups is essential to identify any potential health issues and provide timely intervention.
Moreover, ensuring adequate resources for the management of chronic diseases is vital. This involves making affordable and life-saving medications accessible to all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status. By providing affordable medications, individuals can effectively manage their conditions and reduce the risk of complications.
Overall, addressing the root causes of chronic diseases and providing adequate resources for prevention, early detection, management, and affordable medications are crucial steps in reducing healthcare disparities experienced by African Americans. By prioritizing the health and well-being of this community, we can work towards achieving fair and affordable healthcare for all.
Ensuring Affordable Medications
Ensuring affordable medications is vital in effectively managing illnesses. Countless African Americans face many obstacles that impede their access to necessary medicines. By passionately advocating for the reduced prices of prescription drugs and widening the availability of generic alternatives, we can guarantee individuals can afford the treatments crucial for effectively managing their conditions. The sight of individuals struggling to get their medications, the sound of their frustration, and the heavy feeling of helplessness in the air emphasize the urgency of this issue.
The Biden-Harris Administration led a program to lower over 40+ prescription drug prices under the Inflation Reduction Act; the same bill many MAGA party and traditional GOP republicans were against, but whose constituents gain benefits from. According to Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, “Medicare now has the authority to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for the first time.”
2. Mental Health Stigma
Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet there is a significant stigma surrounding mental health in the African-American community. This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help and accessing the necessary mental health services. It is crucial to address this stigma and promote mental health awareness and support within the African American community. I have received treatment for mental health from repressed trauma experienced serving in the United States military and still use mental health tools to battle it.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma
Mental Health well-being is a part of overall health, yet there is a significant stigma related to mental health in the African American society. This stigma frequently deters individuals from seeking help and accessing mental health services. It’s vital to confront this stigma to promote awareness about health and offer support within the community.
Engagement and Education within African American Communities
Community engagement initiatives and educational programs play a role in dismantling the mental health stigma. By providing information on health disorders, available treatments and emphasizing the importance of seeking help, we can motivate individuals to prioritize their mental wellness. Moreover, establishing environments for open conversations about mental health can help diminish the stigma and nurture a supportive atmosphere. This is not a simple task since we often labor under the legacy of speaking less about our feelings outside of the family circle and a long history of distrust with the medical community.
Enhancing Accessibility to Mental Health Services
Enhancing access to health services is key to addressing mental health issues within the African American community.
One way to make progress is by increasing the number of health professionals who are culturally aware and comprehend the specific challenges faced by African Americans. Moreover, incorporating health services into primary care settings can enhance accessibility and lower the obstacles to seeking help. Hiring qualified health workers may be a potential barrier.
3. Health Inequalities
Health inequalities show the variations in health outcomes and healthcare access that different racial and ethnic groups encounter. African Americans often confront health disparities, such as higher infant mortality rates, shorter life expectancy and restricted access to quality healthcare.
Dealing with Social Factors Affecting Health
Addressing determinants of health that contribute to these disparities is a key approach. Elements like poverty, limited educational opportunities and inadequate housing can affect an individual’s wellbeing. By enacting policies that tackle these factors, we can strive towards lessening health inequities and advancing health equality.
“About half (51%) say a major reason why Black people generally have worse health outcomes than others is because they are more likely to have preexisting health conditions. Issues with home and work environments also are seen as playing a role: 52% say a major reason why Black people have worse health outcomes than others is because they live in communities with more environmental problems that cause health issues; 47% say a major reason is that Black people are more likely to work in jobs that put them at risk for health problems.” PEW Research Center
Counterpoint from Critics on the Right and Inbetween
However, some may argue that addressing these social determinants of health is not the responsibility of the government. They may argue that it is the individual’s responsibility to improve their own circumstances through hard work and determination. They may also argue that addressing these factors would require a lot of money and put a burden on taxpayers. Additionally, critics may argue that focusing on these social determinants of health detracts from other important areas of public health, such as disease prevention and healthcare access.
Emotional Distress
I still can’t shake the feeling of loss and excessive grieving and trauma from so many community members who lost loved ones and didn’t get to say farewell because of COVID-19. The counter medical and anti-vaccination charge led by many on far right runs so counter to public safety. Despite my understanding of the devastating effects of lockdowns and closures on people’s lives and businesses, tents outside funeral homes and refrigeration trucks left me feeling a profound sense of sadness and emotional distress. Witnessing the pain families endured in their losses emphasizes the significance of community centers and local church organizations in providing active help to people coping during a devastating period.
Supporting Community Health Centers
Community health centers play a role in delivering accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved communities, including African Americans. By investing in these centers and expanding their capabilities, we can ensure individuals have access to primary care services, preventive screenings, and management of illnesses. This would lead to early detection and intervention, reducing the burden on emergency departments and improving overall population health outcomes. Additionally, it would promote cost-effective healthcare delivery by addressing health issues at their early stages, ultimately saving healthcare costs in the long run.
What are the obstacles or challenges that prevent the establishment of more community health centers, specifically in African American communities? There are several obstacles and challenges that prevent the establishment of more community health centers, specifically in African American communities. One major challenge is the lack of funding and resources. African American communities often face disparities in healthcare funding, resulting in limited financial support for the development and maintenance of community health centers. For example, many African American communities may not have access to sufficient grants or investments to establish and sustain these centers, making it difficult to provide essential healthcare services to the community.
However, supporting African American community health center approach could narrow the healthcare accessibility divide. Enhance the wellbeing of African Americans.
4. Rates of Maternal Mortality
Maternal mortality rates are notably high in the United States, with American women being disproportionately affected. The factors contributing to these discrepancies are intricate and varied, encompassing racism implicit biases and limited access to quality prenatal and postnatal care.
However, it is important to note that there are other factors that contribute to maternal mortality rates in the United States beyond racism and limited access to care. One such factor is the rising prevalence of chronic health conditions among American women, including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, the high rate of cesarean sections in the United States compared to other developed countries may also play a role in the higher maternal mortality rates. Therefore, while racism and limited access to quality care are important factors to consider, they alone may not fully explain the disparities in maternal mortality rates in the United States.
However, interconnections between these factors perpetuate a cycle of inequity in maternal healthcare. Racism and implicit biases within the healthcare system lead to disparities in the quality of care provided to women of color, resulting in higher rates of complications and mortality. Additionally, limited access to quality prenatal and postnatal care further exacerbates these disparities, as women facing economic or geographical barriers are less likely to receive necessary medical attention.
Addressing these complex issues requires a comprehensive approach that tackles systemic racism, promotes cultural competence in healthcare, and improves access to affordable and high-quality maternal healthcare services. Consequently, it is perplexing why politicians and wealthy power brokers invest in low key systemic racism in healthcare, since it adds to the rising cost of social programs like medicare and medicaid which they supposedly abhor. It is unfortunate that many businesses and their investors capitalize on racism and fraud, such as private prisons and fraudulent organizations that promote hateful ideologies.
Enhancing Prenatal Care
Enhancing care is vital in lowering maternal mortality rates among African American women. This involves ensuring consistent prenatal visits, offering comprehensive prenatal screenings and addressing any underlying health conditions that could pose risks during pregnancy. Moreover, promoting sensitive care and addressing implicit biases within the healthcare system can enhance the quality of care provided to African American women and educate the healthcare community.
Support and Education Post Birth
Support and education following childbirth are equally crucial for reducing maternal mortality rates. Providing resources and help to mothers, such as breastfeeding support, mental health assessments, and access to contraception, can contribute to improved postnatal outcomes.
For example, by offering breastfeeding support to new mothers, they can receive guidance and help in establishing a successful breastfeeding routine. This can lead to improved infant nutrition and reduced rates of common breastfeeding challenges, such as low milk supply or nipple soreness. Additionally, mental health assessments provided to mothers can help identify and address any potential postnatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or anxiety. Healthcare providers can safeguard the well-being of both the mother and the baby by offering early intervention and appropriate treatment options. Furthermore, access to contraception can empower mothers to make informed choices about family planning and birth spacing, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and allowing them to focus on their own health and the well-being of their newborns. By providing these resources and support, we can significantly improve postnatal outcomes, ensuring the health and happiness of both mothers and their babies.
Furthermore, educating healthcare providers about the needs and obstacles faced by African American women can enhance the overall quality of postnatal care, along with increased access to health care.
5. Access to Health Care
Ensuring access to healthcare is an issue for African Americans, with many individuals encountering obstacles that hinder them from receiving timely and suitable medical help. These challenges may stem from factors like lack of health insurance, transportation difficulties, and limited availability of healthcare professionals in areas.
Improving Medicaid coverage can play a role in enhancing healthcare access for African Americans. Medicaid expansion offers health insurance to low-income individuals, enabling them to access essential medical services without enduring financial strain. By advocating to expand Medicaid and striving to bridge the coverage gap, we can address the accessibility issues confronting African Americans. The Health Human Services have reported that the Biden-Harris administration has taken Medicare/Medicaid expansion actions to “include ensuring payments are accurate, cracking down on predatory marketing, preventing inappropriate care denials due to prior authorization, and more.”
Enhancing diversity within the healthcare workforce is essential for overcoming language barriers that African Americans may confront when seeking treatment. By recruiting and keeping African American healthcare providers, we can enhance communication between patients and providers, boost cultural understanding and foster trust within the community. Moreover, offering scholarships and mentorship initiatives can reward African Americans to pursue careers in the healthcare field.
We require a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy to effectively tackle the healthcare challenges faced by African Americans.
Conclusion
By focusing on addressing long-term illnesses reducing the stigma around health, bridging health gaps, improving maternal survival rates and ensuring healthcare access for all, we can move closer to achieving fair and high-quality healthcare for everyone. This article merely touches on the surface when it comes to identifying healthcare problems and possible solutions.
In summary, one of the key policy adjustments needed is to address the systemic inequities in healthcare access and delivery. This includes advocating for comprehensive healthcare coverage for all African Americans, reducing the racial disparities in healthcare outcomes, and increasing the number of healthcare providers in underserved communities. Additionally, allocating resources to these communities is essential to ensure they have access to quality healthcare facilities, affordable healthy food options, and safe recreational spaces. Increasing funding for community health centers, investing in infrastructure development, and implementing economic initiatives that promote job creation and economic growth in these areas can achieve this. Moreover, raising awareness through education is crucial to address the social determinants of health. This involves promoting health literacy, providing culturally sensitive healthcare information, and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health within the African American community. By combining policy adjustments, resource allocation, and education, we can pave the way for a healthier tomorrow for African Americans and work towards achieving health equity for all.
For more information and research data on African American Healthcare, please check out this link: https://tcf.org/content/report/racism-inequality-health-care-african-americans/
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