Access to health care is an important right that everybody should have. Affordable health care can help keep a labor force healthy and productive. However, many people aren't receiving the treatment that they need, especially Black Americans. Black Americans can be adversely affected by the health care system, often getting lower quality of care and having limited access.
Health care can also be expensive, hurting those who need it most. Those who are earn less are more likely to be obese and have other issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Not having the money to afford health care can leave them waiting until it's too late to seek help and raise their health care costs even more. And, of course, poverty is more prevalent among Black people than white people.
How are Black Americans discriminated against in health care?
In many areas, from obesity and heart disease all the way to cancer, Black Americans fare worse than white Americans. Black people are 80% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and Black males are twice as likely to get a stroke than white males. Overall, Black Americans are more likely to suffer from almost any given disease than their white counterparts. Black women are also 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women according to the CDC. Even coronavirus affects Black and Latino people at a higher rate than white people. In some parts of the country, Black people make up 60% of coronavirus cases while only making up 20% of the population.
They are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues, where they are 50% less likely to receive mental health counseling. An estimated 7 million African Americans reported having mental health issues this past year according to Mental Health America. Misconceptions about mental health aside, the root cause is lack of money due to lack of opportunities for financial mobility. The CDC reports that African Americans living below the poverty line are twice as likely to have psychological distress.
According to PNAS, white patients are more likely to receive stronger pain medications for equivalent illnesses compared to Black patients. This is part of some racial biases that doctors hold in regards to Black people. It is bewildering that the first thought of a health care professional is to assume that their patient is lying for drugs, based on the color of their skin, but unfortunately, racism has shaped many of America's institutions.
Where does this issue stem from?
It can't just be a coincidence that Black people are affected much more by these issues than others. There are a lot of other issues affecting Black Americans that can intertwine and lead to these health care risks.
In the case of infections such as coronavirus, Black people are more likely to live in cramped quarters or work in essential businesses, exposing themselves and their families more to any sicknesses. It is quite difficult for 7 people to live in an apartment and physically distance. In addition to these factors, insufficient access to healthcare, insurance and inability to pay for doctor visits further adds to the problem.
Is there stigma around mental health treatment? Probably. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health many people in the African American community, believe if their ancestors lived through slavery then they can live through sadness and anxiety thus, minimizing their issues.
Many black people also have a lack of trust in the US Health care system following the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, where researchers knowingly withheld the treatment of syphilis from black participants.
How can we support those who need health care most?
It's clear that Black Americans suffer more from all types of diseases due to a variety of reasons, like socioeconomic ones, so what can be done?
Education
Medical schools and other health education facilities need to get properly informed on the disparities impacting black and white patients. Being ignorant to the unique needs of Black people will not help them receive the equal treatment they deserve. Not only should medical differences be taught, but socioeconomic differences should be taught as well so that people can understand why these differences are occurring. Our non-black medical professionals are unaware of the systems of oppression which cause these issues.
Increase Investment towards lower income black communities.
It would be beneficial for persons to invest further into the education of children in black communities. Many of them are unable to get a college degree or even afford medical school due to lack of finances. Therefore it is up to us to help get them there, so there can be more black doctors and health care workers to help educate and resolve the disparity in the system.
Health care in America is just a small part of many of the systemic issues that continue to plague Black citizens. Raising awareness and discussing the issues in a productive way can help us to make meaningful change. Many of the problems won't be solved overnight, but through education and awareness, we can all work towards fighting for a better tomorrow.
