Group visits Springs to address disparity in minority health care
They are grim distinctions:
Hispanics have the highest death rates from cervical cancer and diabetes in Colorado, and they're largely uninsured. Blacks have the shortest life expectancy and the highest infant-mortality rate. Tuberculosis is especially prevalent in Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, while American Indians have the highest death rates from liver disease.
Colorado's minorities, like those throughout the United States, face a sweeping number of health disparities due to a complex array of reasons.
The Minority Health Advisory Commission is working to eliminate such disparities, but it's no small feat. The state commission, which advises state officials on minority health issues, stopped in Colorado Springs Friday to explain its purpose and get a feel for what minorities face here.
"Communities of color are disproportionately affected by disease, disabilities and death," said Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical officer for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
He added that the disparities are not limited to certain diseases or health-care issues but are across the board. There are more injuries, for example, not just diseases. There is less access but also lower quality of care, he said.
The commission, made up of representatives from around Colorado, was formed seven years ago as an advisory group, but a 2007 state law gave it authority to issue grant funding through the tobacco tax. Calonge said the group has given out between $10 million and $12 million to Colorado communities to address health disparities.
Each year, the commission attempts to hold town-hall forums in different parts of the state on the premise that community advocates know where to direct resources and have the best understanding of how to address disparities.
Friday was the group's first appearance in Colorado Springs.
Springs resident and psychologist Anthony Young, chairman of the commission, said he's observed a need for more health education and awareness in minority neighborhoods and communities, such as where to find free health screenings.
Although Friday's forum was held to exchange ideas, it could be the precursor to new programs. Young said the three previous town-hall meetings, held in Fort Morgan, Grand Junction and Pueblo, led the commission to pay for new programs in those communities.
-
Call the writer at 636-0198.
Visit the Pikes Peak Health blog at pikespeakhealth.freedomblogging.com and the Gazette's Health page at Gazette.com/health
