In The News

Disparities continue to pervade the American healthcare system and remain a significant barrier to ensuring high-quality, appropriate care for all patients.

Racial and ethnic minorities face disproportionately higher rates of disease, disability, and mortality. African Americans have higher death rates from heart disease, diabetes, AIDS, and cancer, and American Indians and Alaskan Natives have lower life expectancies and higher rates of infant mortality.

Reducing disparities starts with the provision of culturally appropriate healthcare which requires language access, sensitivity to cultural differences, attention to patients’ health literacy needs, and consistency across settings, time, and providers.

Measurement and reporting are needed to ensure that culturally appropriate care results in improved health outcomes and more patient-centered care.