In the first part of our series, we explored the concept of health disparities and their prevalence in Black communities across the United States. We discussed how issues like geographical proximity to medical facilities, health insurance coverage, quality of healthcare services, and social determinants of health contribute to health disparities in Black communities. Now, in this second installment, we delve deeper into the tangible effects of these disparities by examining specific health outcomes in Black communities. Join us as we unpack the data and explore the real-world consequences of health disparities on Black communities in the United States.
Understanding Health Outcomes in Black Communities
The health disparities discussed in the previous part contribute to a range of adverse health outcomes in Black communities. These outcomes are measurable and significant, highlighting the real-world impact of systemic inequalities in healthcare access and quality.Â
Some of the key health challenges disproportionately affecting Black Americans include:
- Lower Life ExpectancyÂ
- Life expectancy at birth for Black people in the U.S. in 2022 was 72.8 years, compared to 77.5 years for White Americans, according to KFF.
- Higher Rates of Chronic Disease
- According to KFF, 12% of Black Americans have asthma compared to 10% of White people; 16% of Black people have diabetes compared to 11% of White adults; and the rate of obesity in the Black community is 43% compared to that of the White community, which is 32%.Â
- Higher Pregnancy-Related Mortality Rates
- Black women have some of the highest rates of pregnancy-related mortality between 2017–2019, according to KFF. Pregnancy-related mortality is 39.9 per 100,000 births among the Black community, compared to 14.1 per 100,000 births for the White community. Black mothers are also more at-risk than their White counterparts, as maternal mortality per 100,000 births was 49.5 for Black adults in 2022 compared to 19 for White Americans.Â
- Higher Cancer Mortality Rates
- Black people have higher death rates than all other racial groups for many—but not all—types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.Â
- Lower Rates of Mental Health TreatmentÂ
- White adults are more likely to say they received mental health treatment in the past three years compared to Black or Hispanic adults, according to KFF.
Join us in our final part of this series as we explore the potential of travel allied health in addressing health disparities and shaping a more equitable healthcare landscape for all Americans.