National Minority Health and Health Disparities Month is observed every April to bring attention to the health inequalities that persist among racial and ethnic minority populations and the ways in which programs can help advance health equity. This year the theme for the month-long observance is “Partnering for Health Equity.”
Health Equity exists when every person has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, there are vast differences in the number of disease incidence, prevalence and mortality between specific population groups in our country.
Thankfully, there are organizations like the REACH healthcare foundation that are working hard to reduce the gap of health disparities among the poor and underserved people in our communities. Join with organizations that promote health equity and educate the disenfranchised individuals in your service area about Home Health Care & Hospice care. The lack of understanding of health care systems, language and cultural barriers, combined with trust issues prevent some consumers from seeking care.
Ideas to promote health equity in your community:
• Build your agency’s library of Spanish-language educational materials and expand Health Literacy in your community. Share your customized brochures with local practitioners that serve large Hispanic populations.
• Get involved in Kidney Sundays, an effort of the National Kidney Disease Education Program, to educate the African American community about kidney disease. The African American population has higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure which are the two leading causes of kidney disease. Distribute agency flyers to your faith community. Be the one to raise awareness about the risks of kidney disease and the importance of getting tested.
• Demonstrate your agency’s inclusiveness by gathering testimonials from past minority patients and their families that you have assisted. Incorporate their suggestions on how Home Health and Hospice care can be more effective into your marketing plan.
• Provide educational materials to your local community centers and initiate discussions during senior events on good health practices such as fall prevention.
• Partner with organizations that promote health equity events in your area, such as: National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities (NPA), Community-Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH), and Common Health Action.
• Participate in discussions with community leaders to create a shared vision on how to combat health inequity and foster multi-sector collaborations. Healthier communities mean lower health care costs, which translate into a stronger and more productive, competitive society.
For more educational materials you can share with your referral sources, check out our webstore: www.partnerwithtag.com