Download Health Disparities

Health Disparities – Unequal
Access and Unequal Outcomes
February 16, 2006
African-American Health Information & Resource Center
Ms. Ella Williamson, Director
What We Recognize and Affirm
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Health of individuals is greatly affected by their physical
and socioeconomic environment.
People will never be effective users of health care or
responsive to preventative health measures until their
basic needs are met.
People’s health care needs are most effectively served in
the context of their own cultures and communities.
Health disparities do not just happen they are created over
time with natural biological and behavioral forces that
intersect with such factors as poverty and discrimination,
and are modified by a variety of community, social, and
economic forces.
Mission Statement
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The mission of the St. Joseph’s/Candler AfricanAmerican Health Information & Resource Center is
to provide access to information technology and
educational resources that promotes positive
health outcomes and improves the quality of life
for African-Americans and the general public.
To address disparities, the AAHIRC was
strategically placed in an inner city neighborhood
in Savannah. Residents of this community reflect
national statistics in regard to poverty, single-head
households, and access to the Internet.
The Center provides the following
services to the community:
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Health Screenings
Case Management
Health Seminars
Internet Access
Computer Classes
Audio-Visual and other Written
Materials
Resource Library
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Professional Puppet Shows
Reading & Math Tutorial
Ladies Living Smart Fitness
Club
the Health & Inspirational
Book Club
Health Literacy Classes and
Savannah's first Lupus
Support Group.
Accomplishments
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The Center has conducted more 1,362 free screenings to
promote health and prevent health problems before risks
are apparent and problems occur.
The Center developed a ten-week health literacy course
using the “5 point model to help low-income and low
literate individuals in the target areas increase their access
to health services, and engage them in positive behaviors
for themselves and their families.
The need being addressed is poor health due to health
literacy. Health Literacy is the ability to read, understand
and act on health care information.
Accomplishments Con’t
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The Center has a Case Management program to increase
the health and the quality of life for patients by addressing
their expressed psycho-social-emotional needs.
Also, the Case Manager conduct assessments of patients'
strengths and resources, address expressed needs, assist
patients in determining goals, and a plan of action.
The case manager make home visits, inform patients of
community resources, and advocate on behalf of patients
to access community resources.
Hundreds of individuals attend the Wisdom and Gathering
sessions to discuss health topics such as: health
disparities among women of color, eye care, women and
oncology issues, and colorectal cancer.
Secrets to Our Success
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Our prevention services has a tracking mechanism/follow-up to
services.
We provide clear evidence that what we are doing is making the
intended difference. This has obvious value in a time of limited and
shrinking resources.
We are culturally competence meaning the capacity to function
effectively as an individual and an organization within the context
of the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by
consumers and their communities.
Cultural values are the principles which guide people’s action,
motivate their lives and provide their direction for living.
We have strategy related services and health related services
( built incentives.)
Challenges
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A set of measurable outcomes to track progress in reducing
health disparities ( mapping.)
Policymakers still must be educated on the fact that prevention is
the best investment.
Conduct/identify research issues on the health status of racial/
ethnic populations.
Streamlining funding to make sure that communities hardest hit
by disparities have a higher priority for receiving funds.
Lessons Learned
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Targeted interventions for specific population.
Socioeconomic and educational levels plays a pivotal role
in whether an individual successfully navigate through the
Health System.
Even with access to information and services, disparities
may still exist because many people lack health literacy.
Health promotion programs must be sensitive to the
diverse cultural norms and beliefs of the people for whom
the programs are intended.
Improved quality of life allows people to have energy and
resources to create stronger families and become more
involved with their communities.
Must be familiar with traditional verse non-traditional
resources.