Clear That The United States Has A Long Way To Go In Terms

Clear That The United States Has A Long Way To Go In Terms Of Caring F

Clear that the United States has a long way to go in terms of caring for and treating those in need. As you read, minorities in the United States typically have the most significant morbidity and mortality rates across all diseases. In this assignment, focus on one of the minority populations listed below and provide a comprehensive overview of the population and the health issues they uniquely face. If you belong to a minority population, try to examine a different population than your own. Minority population groups: African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander.

Identify the population size of the minority population in the United States. Indicate the primary locations of residence (i.e., regions, states, and cities). Estimate the projected growth of the minority population in the United States. Illustrate a brief history of this population (i.e., country or continent of origin, primary time of migration to the United States, and key hardships faced from initial growth to today) in the United States. If you chose American Indian/Alaskan Native, you can change country or continent of origin and primary time of migration to tribal areas in the United States, subject to forced exile and dates of reservation creation.

Explain the rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer in this population and how these rates compare to the U.S. average. As you read, heart disease, stroke, and cancer are the top three causes of mortality across the United States, so this comparison will demonstrate whether your chosen population suffers more or less from these diseases. Hypothesize the suspected causes for the higher or lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer compared to others not in this population. Differentiate the unique diseases and ailments that target this population. For example, Tay Sachs disease has a higher incidence in the Jewish population. Explain why these unique diseases and ailments are suspected of affecting this population more than others.

Explain what programs exist to help this population with all of the above illnesses and diseases. Describe barriers that exist to this population accessing these programs. Argue what programs you would like to see implemented to assist this population. Show how these programs could address the previously noted barriers. Defend why you believe your proposed programs would be successful where others have fallen short. Provide contact information for the nearest public health office in areas most dense with your chosen population.

Paper For Above instruction

The health disparities among minority populations in the United States represent a significant challenge to achieving health equity. Among these populations, African Americans (Blacks) constitute a substantial proportion of the demographic landscape, with unique health risks and disparities reflecting historical, social, and economic factors. This paper will examine the African American community, focusing on population size, geographic distribution, historical context, prevalence of specific health issues, contributing factors, existing health programs, barriers to access, and proposed solutions to improve health outcomes.

Population Size and Distribution

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), African Americans comprise approximately 13.4% of the total U.S. population, amounting to over 41 million individuals. The largest concentrations reside in the Southern United States, particularly in states like Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. Urban centers such as Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and New York City also have sizable African American populations. The demographic trend indicates a gradual increase in population size due to both natural growth and migration patterns. Projections suggest the African American population will continue to grow modestly over the next decades, influenced by higher birth rates and ongoing migration patterns, including internal migration from rural to urban areas and international migration from African countries.

Historical Context of the African American Population

The roots of the African American population trace back to forced migration from West Africa during the transatlantic slave trade, beginning in the early 17th century. Enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the British colonies, now part of the United States, and subjected to brutality and systemic discrimination. Post-emancipation, African Americans faced severe hardships, including segregation, disenfranchisement, and economic disenfranchisement under Jim Crow laws. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s marked a pivotal turning point in challenging institutional racism, but disparities persisted. African Americans have historically faced limited access to education, employment, and healthcare, shaping health disparities observed today. Presently, systemic inequities, socioeconomic factors, and ongoing discrimination continue to impact health outcomes.

Health Issues: Heart Disease, Stroke, and Cancer

Statistically, African Americans experience higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer compared to the general U.S. population. According to the CDC (2022), approximately 48% of African American adults have hypertension, significantly higher than the 32% prevalence among white adults, contributing to increased heart disease risk. The age-adjusted death rate for stroke in African Americans (41.2 per 100,000) exceeds that of whites (33.8 per 100,000). Additionally, African Americans face a higher incidence of colorectal and breast cancers, often diagnosed at later stages, resulting in poorer prognoses (Siegel et al., 2022). These disparities can be attributed to factors such as socioeconomic status, limited healthcare access, cultural barriers, stress due to discrimination, and genetic predispositions.

Suspected Causes of Higher Rates

The elevated rates of cardiovascular diseases and cancers among African Americans are linked to multiple determinants. Socioeconomic disadvantages limit access to preventive care and healthy foods, increase exposure to environmental toxins, and elevate stress levels. Hypertension prevalence is partly genetic but exacerbated by poor diet, obesity, and disparities in healthcare. Chronic stress from experiences of discrimination may also contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular risks. Additionally, lower screening rates and delayed diagnoses hinder early intervention, further worsening outcomes. For cancer, lack of culturally competent screening programs and mistrust in healthcare providers can decrease participation in preventive health behaviors (Williams et al., 2019).

Unique Diseases and Ailments

Some diseases disproportionately affect African Americans due to genetic or socioeconomic factors. For example, sickle cell disease is more prevalent among individuals of African descent, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 12 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait. This condition leads to episodes of severe pain, anemia, and increased risk of infection (IDEA, 2021). Additionally, disparities in diabetes prevalence are notable, with African Americans being twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to whites. These health issues are compounded by social determinants that influence disease severity and management.

Existing Health Programs

Various federal and state programs aim to improve health outcomes for African Americans. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) supports initiatives targeting hypertension and heart disease through community-based interventions. The CDC's Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program promotes culturally tailored health education aimed at reducing disparities. The Affordable Care Act increased insurance coverage, enhancing access to preventive services. Additionally, organizations like the National Sickle Cell Foundation provide specialized support, screening, and education for sickle cell disease.

Barriers to Program Access

Despite existing programs, barriers hinder effective utilization among African Americans. These include lack of health insurance, transportation issues, cultural mistrust in healthcare providers, language barriers, and limited health literacy. Socioeconomic disadvantages also restrict access to healthy foods and safe environments necessary for healthy living. Discrimination and historical mistreatment contribute to mistrust, leading to hesitance in seeking preventive care and participating in health programs. The scarcity of culturally competent healthcare providers further exacerbates these barriers, reducing engagement and adherence to treatment and prevention strategies.

Proposed Interventions

To address these barriers, culturally sensitive community health programs need to be expanded. Proposed initiatives include establishing mobile clinics providing free screenings and education in underserved neighborhoods, employing community health workers from within the African American community to foster trust, and integrating health literacy education into schools and faith-based organizations. Policy implementation should focus on equitable distribution of resources, such as subsidized healthy foods and safe recreational spaces, and incentivizing healthcare providers to undergo cultural competency training. Telehealth services tailored to African American communities could improve access to specialists and chronic disease management. These programs aim to reduce disparities by addressing socioeconomic, cultural, and logistical barriers that hinder access to preventive and acute care.

Success Factors and Contact Information

The success of these proposed programs hinges on community engagement, sustained funding, and policy support. Embedding health initiatives within trusted community structures enhances participation. Ensuring culturally competent care increases trust and adherence. Partnerships with local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations can sustain these efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Minority Health (OMH) provides resources and partnerships for minority health initiatives. The nearest public health office in Atlanta, Georgia—where a significant African American population resides—is the Georgia Department of Public Health. Their contact information is:

• Address: 1740 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
• Phone: (404) 657-2700
• Website: https://dph.georgia.gov/

Through targeted interventions, community engagement, and policy reforms, healthcare disparities among African Americans can be reduced, leading to improved health outcomes and equity.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Heart disease and stroke statistics — 2022 update. Circulation, 145(8), e139–e617. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001066
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Health disparities experienced by Black populations. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/racial-equity/disparities.html
• IDEA. (2021). Sickle cell disease fact sheet. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sickle-cell-disease
• Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Fuchs, H. E., & Jemal, A. (2022). Cancer statistics, 2022. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 72(1), 7-33. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21718
• Williams, D. R., Gonzalez, H. M., Neighbors, H., Nesse, R., Abelson, J. M., Sweetman, J., & Jackson, J. S. (2019). Prevalence and distribution of major depressive disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites: Results from the National Survey of American Life. Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(3), 305-315. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2008.540
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Population estimates. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html