A new study has found that Black and Hispanic Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to lose Medicaid coverage following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The analysis, conducted by the Urban Institute, highlights the disproportionate impact on communities of color as states begin to unwind the expanded Medicaid eligibility put in place during the pandemic. According to the report, an estimated 15 million people could lose Medicaid coverage once the emergency declaration expires. However, the risk is significantly higher for Black and Hispanic individuals, with 12.3% and 13.5% projected to lose coverage, respectively, compared to…
Author: Disparity Matters
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, according to a new analysis by the Commonwealth Fund. Despite a decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. rate remains far higher than peer nations like the U.K., France, and Canada. Black women in the U.S. face a disproportionately high risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. Over 80% of maternal deaths are considered preventable. In contrast, several wealthy countries have virtually eliminated maternal mortality through robust policies and support systems for women during and after pregnancy. These include universal health care, access to…
New research suggests that living in high-crime areas may increase the aggressiveness of lung cancer in Black men, potentially explaining part of the racial disparity seen in lung cancer outcomes. The study, presented at ENDO 2024, found that exposure to neighborhood violence appears to alter how stress hormones interact with lung tumors. Researchers from the University of Ilinois examined lung tissue samples from 15 patients in Chicago, along with data on violent crime rates in their neighborhoods. They discovered that patients from high-violence areas had tumors with increased expression of genes linked to stress hormone signaling and tumor aggressiveness. “This research uncovers…
Black patients who had strokes waited significantly longer for treatment compared to white patients, a new study finds. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston analyzed data from over 1,200 stroke patients and found that Black patients had an average delay of 62 minutes before receiving treatment, while white patients waited an average of 44 minutes. The study, published in the journal Stroke, highlights racial disparities in stroke care. Dr. Anjail Sharrief, the study’s lead author, says the findings underscore the need to address systemic issues contributing to these delays. Strokes, which occur when blood flow…
At least 122 Catholic clergy members sexually abused over 1,000 Native American children at 22 boarding schools since the late 1800s, according to a Washington Post investigation. The abuse, which primarily occurred in the 1950s and 1960s, took place at institutions established under the Civilization Fund Act of 1819 to assimilate Native American children into White society. The investigation, led by the first Native American Cabinet secretary, Deb Haaland, involved interviews with more than two dozen survivors, attendance at “The Road to Healing” events, and the review of thousands of pages of court documents, depositions, lawsuits, and correspondence. The findings…
An artificial intelligence (AI) patient navigator called MyEleanor is helping reduce disparities in colon cancer screening by re-engaging underserved patients who have missed or cancelled colonoscopy appointments, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. The research, led by Dr. Alyson Moadel of Montefiore cancer center in the Bronx, New York, analyzed 2,400 patients, many of whom were people of color, low-income, and born outside the United States. These communities often face barriers to screening and treatment, leading to later-stage diagnoses and worse outcomes. MyEleanor, which communicates with patients in both English and Spanish,…
A recent study by researchers Bernard, López, Banks, Hahn, and Danielson sheds light on the impact of racial discrimination on mental health outcomes among Black youth. The study, published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, reveals that rumination—internalizing negative feelings as a coping strategy—plays a crucial role.The likelihood of Black children experiencing racial discrimination increases as they age and interact with their communities, schools, and online spaces. Approximately 90% of Black youth report discriminatory experiences each year, which heightens their vulnerability to depression and anxiety.The research team analyzed data from 158 youth participating in the Charleston Resiliency Monitoring study. These…
A new study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveals increased disparities in survival based on health insurance status among individuals newly diagnosed with advanced cancers in the United States following the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These ICIs, first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011, have significantly improved survival rates for cancer patients but come with a high cost. Unfortunately, individuals without health insurance coverage may struggle to afford these life-saving treatments. Dr. Jingxuan Zhao, senior associate scientist in health services research at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the need…
Public health agencies are partnering with transportation departments to tackle health inequities stemming from lack of access to medical care, according to a new report from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). The report highlights how four states are using cross-sector collaborations and flexible funding strategies to improve transportation options for underserved communities. In Oregon, a decade-long memorandum of understanding between health and transportation agencies has led to the inclusion of health goals in statewide transportation plans. Vermont has launched pilot programs offering rides to substance abuse treatment and employment opportunities. Arizona created a centralized system to…
Filipino Americans have significantly higher rates of diabetes compared to other Asian American subgroups and white adults, according to recent studies. Researchers found that data disaggregation revealed hidden health disparities in every participating Asian American ethnic group. The elevated diabetes prevalence among Filipino Americans is attributed to the effects of Western colonization and imperialism on indigenous Filipino food systems, according to Raquel Fernandez, a registered nurse and diabetes educator. The introduction of pork and other dietary changes during Spanish colonization played a significant role. Fernandez, who grew up viewing diabetes as commonplace in her community, likened it to the flu…