For too many racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S., good health and health care is elusive. Life expectancy and overall health have improved for Americans collectively, yet the prevalence of preventable diseases among racial and ethnic minorities persists. Although guaranteeing health coverage for all is a sure way of reducing health inequities, altering unhealthy lifestyles and environments are also effective. Community interventions focusing on altering unhealthy behaviors have been effective in reducing modifiable risk factors associated with preventable chronic conditions and therefore health disparities.
The event will start with an overview of the state of racial and ethnic health disparities by Dr. Brian Smedley. Following his remarks, Congresswoman Donna Christensen will present legislative solutions to disparities and the Congressional Black Caucus’s health priorities for the 110th Congress. Meredith King will then discuss the effectiveness of community interventions in reducing disparities and LaTonya Chavis will describe the Charlotte REACH 2010 program.
Panelists:
Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen (D-VI)
LaTonya Chavis, Director, Charlotte REACH 2010
Meredith King, Health Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress
Dr. Brian Smedley, Research Director, The Opportunity Agenda
Moderator:
Karen Davenport, Director of Health Policy, Center for American Progress