Minority Health in America

As a whole, Americans have developed healthier lifestyles which have proved to provide a healthier population.  Unfortunately, the many minorities who help make up the American population are not benefiting from this healthier way of life.  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has evidence that 17 percent of Hispanic and 16 percent of African Americans report having fair to poor health compared to 10 percent of Caucasian Americans. Statistically, minority groups prove to have higher rates in several serious diseases in the country. 

Pace Health Insurance Navigator program has been working to get our no cost services to all populations.  We are diligently working to help prevent some of these life-threatening issues by linking minority groups with healthcare options.

According to AHRQ minority groups lack sufficient income, access to insurance and medical care, and have difficulty overcoming cultural and communication barriers.  These reasons, among several others, can account for how minority groups have fallen behind in becoming a more positive statistic in a healthier America.

According to the Office of Minority Health (OMH) of the US Department of Health and Human Services, statistical findings show cancer is the second leading cause of death for most racial and ethnic minorities. Diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, liver disease, sickle cell disease, glaucoma, infant mortality, and asthma are also higher risk categories within minority groups than within the Caucasian American population.

For assistance regarding healthcare options, contact a local Healthcare Navigator today.  For Knox and Gibson County, call 812-881-1934.  For Daviess County call 812-830-7927. For Greene County call 812-890-2322.  For Martin County call 812-881-1645. For more information, visit www.pacecaa.org or www.CKFindiana.org.

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Pace Community Action Agency, Inc. is a private not-for-profit Community Action Agency established to provide support services to improve the community and encourage self-reliance. Services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.

 Covering Kids & Families of Indiana (CKF-IN) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring all Hoosiers have accessible healthcare coverage.  CKF-IN promotes and facilitates healthcare coverage by building coalitions to enroll, educate, and support Hoosiers and by advocating for strong inclusive public policies.  For more information, visit www.ckfindiana.org