Minority Health Month: Taking Action to Address Health Disparities

Minority Health Disparities: Why Improving Health Literacy is Crucial for Underserved Populations

April is Minority Health Month, a time to recognize the health disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities. According to the Office of Minority Health, racial and ethnic minorities in the United States are more likely to experience a wide range of health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

As a founder of a health tech company, I understand the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations and reducing health disparities. We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to lead healthy and productive lives. However, it's alarming to know that the health industry has done very little to improve minority health, with most companies not even focusing on this sector. It's up to the new startups to find innovative ways to address it.

One of the key ways to improve minority health disparities is by addressing the social determinants of health. These are the economic, social, and environmental factors that shape an individual's health and well-being. Unfortunately, many minority communities face barriers to accessing these resources, which can result in poorer health outcomes.

To help address the social determinants of health, here are some examples of the factors that contribute to health disparities:

• Poverty: Low-income communities often lack access to healthy food, safe housing, and other resources that are essential for good health. For example, individuals living in poverty may not have access to nutritious food options or safe outdoor or recreational spaces for physical activity.
• Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors can lead to chronic stress, which is associated with poor health outcomes. For example, experiences of discrimination in healthcare settings can lead to mistrust of healthcare providers and lower utilization of healthcare services.
• Limited access to healthcare: Lack of access to healthcare services, including preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions, can contribute to health disparities. For example, individuals living in rural areas may face long travel times to reach healthcare facilities, leading to delayed or missed appointments.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental hazards such as pollution, toxins, and unsafe water can lead to a range of health problems. For example, living near a polluted area can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses.
• Education: Low levels of education are associated with poorer health outcomes, as education can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health. For example, individuals with low levels of education may not have the literacy skills needed to understand health information or navigate the healthcare system.

By addressing these underlying factors, we can improve the health outcomes of minority populations and promote health equity. As individuals and as companies, we can take action to promote health equity by supporting organizations that work to improve minority health, advocating for policies that address social determinants of health, and investing in technologies that can help to bridge the gap in healthcare access. The National Minority Quality Forum also has many resources that can help.

At my company, we are committed to promoting health equity through our platform with on-demand wellness classes on various topics (mental health, nutrition, fitness, medicine, financial literacy) that are understandable at an elementary level. This allows anyone to participate and learn to improve their behaviors and incorporate what they learned into their daily lives. We also plan to work closely with community organizations to ensure that our services can reach underserved communities.

In conclusion, Minority Health Month is a reminder of the health disparities that continue to affect minority communities in the United States. By addressing the social determinants of health, we can make progress towards reducing these disparities and creating a more equitable future for all. So, let's take action and work together to promote health equity in our neighborhoods and work communities.