Erie Family Health Center

The American Public Health Association has designated this week National Public Health Week. Since 1995, the United States has used this week to highlight the importance of public health and the need for improved health in our country. This year’s theme is ‘A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.’  This theme resonates with community-based health organizations, like Erie Family Health Center. For Erie, creating a healthier America begins at the community level, where care and prevention can be designed specifically for the needs of the local community.

 

For Erie and other public health advocates around the country, one of the most important health issues facing America today are the  health disparities that exist in medically underserved communities. That means that certain groups of people in our country—like those with lower incomes—experience health problems at greater rates than the general population.  At Beats Per Minute, we would like to highlight a few of the health disparities that hit home in the communities that Erie serves.

Cancer

Nearly every person in America has had some experience with cancer: a family member, friend or friend of a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. What many likely learned through their personal experiences is that early detection is almost always key for treating cancer. Without regular screening and early detection, treatment for cancer can often be less effective and result in higher mortality rates. This has become an issue for minority populations, who face alarming rates of cancer mortality. For example, African American women are 34% more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women and African American men are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer.

Diabetes

With the increase of sugary foods and drinks, the United States has also seen an increase in the number of Americans affected by diabetes. Over 23 million Americans have diabetes and around twice that many have ‘pre-diabetes,’ a condition where glucose levels are elevated but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Minority populations are at a particular risk for developing diabetes and the complications associated with the disease, including death. Hispanics are 1.4 times more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians and have a death rate that is 50% higher.

Oral Health

Oral health is often overlooked by the mainstream media, but public and private health experts are becoming more outspoken about the connection between oral health and overall wellness. Focusing on the need for oral health services in order to maintain overall health is especially important for minority populations who experience higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease. For example, nearly half (40%) of African American adults experience tooth decay, which is significantly higher than the rate among Caucasian adults (23%). African Americans also experience higher rates of gingivitis.

These three health problems give a glimpse into the complex and ongoing set of health disparities that exist for underserved and often minority populations in America. The list could go on and on, including obesity, HIV/AIDS, infant and maternal health, and asthma; nevertheless, the solution for all of these disparities is the same: a healthier America really does begin with the community. Community health centers, like Erie Family Health Center, reach out into our communities, help eliminate these health disparities and ensure that every community member receives the care that they deserve. These efforts include creating better access to health care, placing a greater emphasis on preventive medicine and providing culturally competent health care and education. Tune in to Beats Per Minute later this week when we outline Erie’s specific programs that work to eliminate disparities and create a healthier community!  

Tags: cancer, community health, dental services, diabetes, education, Erie, health disparities, National Public Health Week, public health