We must address the root causes of health disparities
National Minority
Health Month always prompts a trip down memory lane for me.
Ever since I can remember, I have been advocating for health equity in minority communities in my own innocent, naive way. I was 9 years old when my family and I emigrated to the United States, and even though I was just a kid at the time and didn’t quite understand what was happening, I had to put on my big boy shoes and take on the responsibility of caring for my family and advocating for their basic needs.
Little did I know the great impact such a life-changing experience would have on me, to the point of shaping every detail of the person I am today and the things I stand by.
Jerold Mammano, division president of Aetna Medicaid, said something not long ago at a health care event that stuck with me: “Addressing health disparities is not just a goal, it’s a mandate for progress and empowerment. By investing in initiatives that address social determinants of health, including housing instability, food insecurity and education access, we can ignite a transformative movement toward health equity and empowerment within minority communities.”
As we commemorate National Minority Health Month, these words ring loudly, echoing the sentiment that achieving health equity requires a multifaceted approach to tackle the underlying social determinants of health.
Despite strides in health care access and medical advancements, disparities persist, reminding us of the urgent need for action. Minority communities continue to bear a disproportionate burden of disease and face barriers to quality health care rooted in systemic inequality.
Stark differences in our health care delivery system and outcomes are backed up by alarming data. From higher rates of chronic conditions to disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, the data paints a troubling picture of entrenched health inequities that demand our attention.
These disparities are not merely the result of individual choices; they are symptomatic of broader systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and hinder access to health care services.
Yet, amidst these challenges, there is resilience and strength within minority communities.
Community-led initiatives, grassroots organizations and advocacy efforts are driving change, addressing social determinants of health and empowering individuals to take control of their health and their lives. By providing culturally competent health care services, advocating for policies that address structural inequalities and more, these efforts are making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
We all have the opportunity to contribute! It is no coincidence that we are holding the fourth annual Latino Health Summit on April 19-20 at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem as a way to continue to foster conversations surrounding minority health and spark a revolution in the direction of health care equity.
Now, as much as I’d love to say that we are doing enough, the truth is that addressing health disparities requires more than just community action; it demands change at all levels of society. Policymakers must prioritize health equity and implement policies that address its root causes.
This includes investing in education, affordable housing, economic opportunity and a robust health care infrastructure in underserved communities. It also means dismantling discriminatory practices within health care systems in order to ensure equal access to health care for all.
Furthermore, we must take an intersectional approach to understanding and addressing health disparities, recognizing that individuals may face multiple forms of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status and disability.
By acknowledging these intersecting factors, we can develop more effective strategies to promote health equity and dismantle barriers.
As we commemorate National Minority Health Month, let us recommit ourselves to this remarkable quest. Let us advocate for policies that address social determinants of health, empower communities and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and live a healthy and fulfilling life.
George Fernandez is the president and CEO of Color & Culture, a multicultural, full-service marketing and advertising agency that includes Latino Connection, which creates programming in low-income communities that address every aspect of the social determinants of health.