By George Hinton, Chief Executive Officer
Social Development Commission
Social Development Commission
As single mother I know recently received medication for high cholesterol. As a primary caregiver for her family, she put herself last as she struggled to pay bills, maintain employment and care for her children. Sadly, this woman may require medication for the rest of her life. Now, at the age of 54, she asks how this came to be. For people in health care, it’s no surprise. Recent government statistics indicate that this mother (like many readers of this magazine) are 20 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic whites. African American women are 60 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, as compared to non-Hispanic white women. But health care disparities go beyond race. Many rural communities share the same grim health statistics. Why? The answer is complex but we can start with the following: |