ICU Docs Less Likely to Discuss End-of-Life Issues with Blacks May 23, 2008
"That is why it is so important that physicians are comfortable delivering difficult and sometimes complex diagnoses, potential outcomes and prognoses to patients and families in the ICU," researcher Dr. J. Daryl Thornton, of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), said in a prepared statement. "Our study suggests there may be some underlying biases and/or discomfort among physicians, which impacts their... (MEDLINEplus)
Pittsburgh Foundation's new leader signals that change in on the way May 4, 2008
With buy-in from his board, Mr. Trueheart also initiated a process that narrowed the foundation's areas of focus from 25 to five -- educational excellence, support for families and children, economic development, reduction of health disparities among African-Americans and the arts ... The metrics currently used by The Pittsburgh Foundation, he said, are too limiting, resulting in "money flowing through very, very narrow spigots" and too much attention paid to "what can be measured rather than... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Health Disparities: Genetics Plays An Important Role In Cancer Detection, Prognosis Among Minorities Apr 19, 2008
18, 2008) Research reported at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April 12-16, suggests that poorer outcomes for breast cancer and prostate cancer among minorities may be due to biologic factors. In addition, researchers present a new theory on why a recent decline in breast cancer rates was less pronounced among African-American women, and offer data on a relatively simple means of reducing racial disparities in breast cancer care. (Science Daily)
JOSE ARMAS: Should Latinos vote for the independent candidate? Apr 6, 2008
We have the largest percentage of working poor; schools are failing to educate 50 percent of our children and our health disparities are growing. If white folks suffered the magnitude of our problems, politicos long ago would have called for a state of national emergency. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Health disparities tied to resources Mar 29, 2008
Tonyaa Weathersbee is a columnist for The Times-Union. Her column usually appears on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. (Florida Times-Union)
Prevention is goal with colorectal cancer Mar 26, 2008
In South Carolina, our health disparities related to colorectal cancer are dramatic. Black men in South Carolina have a 46 percent higher death rate than their white counterparts. (Orangeburg Times Democrat)
Nigerian, Rotimi, heads U.S. genetic research centre Mar 26, 2008
UNITED STATES (U.S.) government has named a Nigerian-born researcher trained at the University of Benin as director of its new medical research centre for genomics and health disparities ... The statement said the centre would be known as the NIH Intramural Centre for Genomics and Health Disparities (NICGHD) and would be a "venue for research about the way populations are impacted by diseases, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension." ... " The new U.S. institute headed by Rotimi will... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Breast Cancer In Black Women May Be Connected To Neighborhood Conditions, Study Suggests Mar 21, 2008
20, 2008) Researchers at the University of Chicago are studying possible connections between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and the development of early onset breast cancer in a path-breaking project led by Sarah Gehlert, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Disparities Research at the University ... Gehlert is lead author of the paper discussing the findings, titled Targeting Health Disparities: Linking Upstream Determinants to Downstream Interventions published in the... (Science Daily)
State observes National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Mar 19, 2008
Native Americans in the U.S. suffer high rates of health disparities, and HIV/AIDS is no exception. In South Dakota, Natives comprise only 9 percent of the state's population but have accounted for 16 percent of HIV/AIDS cases since the beginning of the epidemic and for 25 percent of new infections since 2001. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Study: Hostility harder on hearts of blacks Mar 17, 2008
But sometimes "things are not as innocuous as they seem if you've had bad experiences before," says Vickie Mays, a psychologist who directs a UCLA center on minority health disparities. "A white person could walk down the street and see a policeman and think he's just directing traffic, but an African-American may feel less safe because of what's happened to him in the past.". (USA Today -- News)
$500K gift for UB Family Medicine Feb 27, 2008
The 's Department of Family Medicine in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences received a $500,000 gift to conduct primary care research in health disparities ... and will be used to create a professorship in health disparities. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Gathering to honor black legislators Feb 26, 2008
Jeanne Lucas and five other deceased black legislators to call attention to health disparities and high mortality rates among minorities. . (Herald Sun)
Local briefs Feb 7, 2008
Nonprofit wins $60,550 grant The Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development was recently awarded a $60,550 grant to help eliminate health disparities. The grant from The California Endowment, a foundation devoted to health care, will allow the organization to assess the health, economic and community development assets in the 93706 ZIP-code area. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Medical experiments targeted blacks, author says Feb 6, 2008
This history of abusive medical experimentation on blacks is important because it helped shape some modern-day health disparities, Washington said. It contributes to black iatrophobia, or fear of physicians. (The Daily Reflector)
Black Men Most at Risk for Kidney Disease Complications Feb 6, 2008
"These findings propose new opportunities to eliminate health disparities in people most vulnerable to [kidney disease]," study co-author Dr. Allan J. Collins, president of the National Kidney Foundation, said in a prepared statement. "Treating high blood pressure aggressively in people with [kidney disease] could protect thousands -- if not millions -- of people from life-threatening complications of kidney failure.". (MEDLINEplus)
Obama Tries To Win Over Latino Voters Feb 2, 2008
In his hour-long appearance in East Los Angeles, Obama made clear attempts to connect with the Latinos in the audience, focusing on bread-and-butter issues such as his plans to address foreclosures and affordable housing, health disparities in the inner city and the failures of urban schools. At one point, he made what appeared to be abid at a cross-racial bond with his audience, saying that "too many Americans feel like the system is not designed for people like us." And he stated his support... (CBS News)
Great benefits to come from education grant Jan 31, 2008
The $4 million federal grant seeks to address health disparities through more higher education opportunities for minority students in the biomedical sciences ... The grant was awarded by the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, part of the National Institutes of Health. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Club steers black men to college Jan 27, 2008
Frederica Wilson, a Miami Democrat and member of the council, in a telephone interview from Tallahassee, noted history's contribution to the current state of the black male: lynchings, criminal justice and health disparities, the breakdown of family. "It's a systemic failure that dates back well before Reconstruction," she said. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Black voters won't all speak with same voice on Saturday Jan 25, 2008
"Matthews said he supports Clinton based on her ability to win, noting that only the winner will be able to tackle what he considers the pressing issues of health disparities, quality of education and access to higher education."It's not much to be accomplished unless you can win. So, in essence, you have to put up the best person you think can win in the final analysis. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Fresno State gets $4.5 million grant Jan 23, 2008
5 million federal grant to create a biomedical research center that will focus on health disparities in the community ... Fresno State was one of two universities in the state -- and 19 nationwide -- to receive grants from the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, a center of the National Institutes of Health. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
UTHSC's Wall full chancellor -- for now Jan 21, 2008
He has also served as the director of employee relations and the executive director for the Center for Health Disparities. Petersen also said Thursday UT will "roll out a clear plan for taking the Health Science Center forward" this summer. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Newswatch, Police/Fire Jan 8, 2008
A new research center at the University of Hawaii medical school hopes to eliminate health disparities suffered by native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, school officials say. The Center for Native and Pacific Health Disparities Research is funded by a five-year, $7 ... 3 million grant from the national Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Institutes of Health. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Clyburn made clear his stand on Hugine, board Dec 30, 2007
The Transportation Center, the Environmental Institute, the Health Disparities Project, the Nuclear Engineering Program, the Presidential Debate, the new student housing, just to name a few of the efforts in which I have been intricately involved. Even the unfortunate headlines concerning the lack of housing last August were indicative of a positive situation at the school, a growing enrollment and a resurgence of an overwhelming interest in the University. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
State officials focus on social factors as the root of health disparities Dec 18, 2007
Minnesota health officials spent years examining how those factors influenced health disparities -- including statistics that showed in the mid '90s infant mortality rates among American Indians were three times that of whites in the state ... The Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative also pairs officials with community members to ide ... jpgy root causes of health disparities, said former Minnesota health commissioner Jan Malcolm. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Biological Markers Of Prostate Cancer Shed Light On Cancer Burden Faced By African-American Men Dec 7, 2007
The research is being presented November 29 at the American Association for Cancer Research conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved. See also. (Science Daily)
Summit to focus on health disparities in Miss. Dec 6, 2007
Summit to focus on health disparities in Miss. The Clarion-Ledger. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Genes May Explain Role of Race in Colon Cancer Risk Nov 29, 2007
The results of the analysis were to be presented Wednesday at the American Association for Cancer Research's conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, in Atlanta ... "We are trying to unlock the role genetics, through gene-environment interactions, may play in understanding the underlying causes of health disparities," she said. (Health-Finder)
Gov gives Somerville $35,000 to work on ethnic, racial health disparities Nov 29, 2007
City of Somerville Board of Health has been awarded $35,000 to fight racial and ethnic health disparities ... Eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities is a major priority for our Administration ... The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released the most comprehensive report to date detailing the problem of health disparities in Massachusetts. (Somerville Journal, MA)
50 members strong, Legislative Black Caucus wields power Nov 25, 2007
Alleviating health disparities throughout the state, including health coverage among minorities ... Education, job development and health disparities are among some of the issues the caucus will be focusing on in the next session, Dickson believes. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Race-based medicine? Nov 20, 2007
While some praise such studies for reaching out to groups disproportionately affected by a disease, others say grouping trial participants by attributes health disparities to the wrong cause ... While race can be useful to understand how diseases manifest in certain groups, hinging studies on race distracts from the underlying causes of health disparities, Kahn said ... But , the former director of MIT's Center for Biomedical Innovation, said that regardless of the underlying causes of health... (The Scientist)
Lower Response Rates To Antidepressants Found With African-Americans, Latinos Nov 15, 2007
When some of the socioeconomic and health disparities present when subjects entered the study were taken into account, the researchers found the response to antidepressant medications was more similar among all groups. Dr. Ira Lesser, a LA BioMed investigator who authored the report along with a team of researchers including LA BioMed investigator Daniel B. Castro, said these findings suggest African-Americans and Latinos from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may need more than medication to be... (Science Daily)
UMass-Boston's history course Nov 9, 2007
"I think our urban mission is in all that we do," he said in an interview, offering a sweeping vision of what "urban" means, from battling ethnic and racially based health disparities to being "a friend of the Boston Public Schools" to "the world leader in green chemistry," work that includes protecting the environment and developing clean energy sources for Boston and the world. Motley also has to advance UMass-Boston's research efforts. (Boston Globe)
Transparency at our hospitals Oct 15, 2007
Under the plan, hospitals in Massachusetts can earn bonuses totaling $20 million for more effectively managing such concerns as pediatric asthma, pneumonia, surgical infections, and racial and ethnic health disparities ... The last item, health disparities, is new and exciting territory for payers to be involved in. (Boston Globe)
Poll: Female Cancer Prevention Falls Short Oct 3, 2007
D., assistant professor in the health disparities research department at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, says in a news release. "As the divide between knowing and doing becomes clear, women can be more vigilant in taking their cancer prevention behaviors to a higher level of compliance," Irvine Vidrine says. (CBS News)
Can racial health disparities be effectively reduced? Sep 29, 2007
Can racial health disparities be effectively reduced ... Can racial health disparities be effectively reduced ... Policy makers should support proven interventions and funding agencies should invest in expanded and coordinated research to better clarify the causes and consequences of health disparities, he added. (EurekAlert!)
Study: College grads less likely to die of cancer Sep 17, 2007
"One take-home message is that when we target efforts to reduce health disparities, it's important to look not only at race and ethnicity," said Elizabeth Ward, director of surveillance research for the American Cancer Society and a study author. "In a broad study like this, both education and race are reflective of socioeconomic determinants of health."The rate of cancer deaths among white men with an eighth-grade education or less was 3. (Indianapolis Star)
SCSU cannot resist looking at what could be Sep 15, 2007
Claflin University in battling health disparities including HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer, plus the S.C. Center for Biotechnology. SCSU and Claflin in recruiting more minorities in the public health field. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Tobacco tax earns less than estimated Sep 12, 2007
How wonderful that would be to see a decline in smoking related health disparities as a result of our State wide sin tax. I believe the State would have created much more tax revenue if Gov. Rounds would address a new gaming compact with (9) Tribal Nations within his State. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Local events Sep 8, 2007
The theme is "The Church Rising from Silence to Action: Health Disparities.". The event will feature gospel recording artists Vanessa Bell-Armstrong and Brenda Ellis of Bishop T.D. Jakes' Potter's House Choir. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Coalition: Weeks Should Be Suspended Sep 3, 2007
The coalition, which works to address racial health disparities and problems in black families, sees Weeks' alleged actions as "morally wrong and reprehensible." Domestic violence, the group said, is a root cause of the failure of black families and marriages. The coalition said it wants him to apologize to his wife, his church and the Christian family, and to seek counseling. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Coalition wants Weeks suspended Sep 3, 2007
The coalition, which works to address racial health disparities and problems in the black family, views Weeks' alleged actions as "morally wrong and reprehensible.". Domestic violence, the group said, is a root cause in the failure of black families and marriages. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Report exposes harmful racial bias in healthcare delivery Aug 16, 2007
THE REPORT of the Commission to End Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities has the potential to bring healthcare to a new level ( Page B3, Aug. 9). The collaboration of academic, clinical, and legislative experts courageously identifies our tolerance for racism as the root cause of myriad health inequities. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
• NAACP Plans Meetings Aug 1, 2007
The NAACP will hold a series of town hall meetings throughout the state to discuss educational, criminal justice and health disparities for minorities. The organization's announcement of the town meetings followed a meeting with Gov. M. Jodi Rell. (FOX61, CT)
Studies Address Presence of More Lethal Breast Cancer Among Black ... Jul 12, 2007
Kaiser Health Disparities Report: A Weekly Look At Race, Ethnicity And Health. Science ine | Studies Address Presence of More Lethal Breast Cancer Among Black Women, Diet-Cancer Link [Jul 10, 2007. (Kaiser network.org)
Cultivating a healthier lifestyle Jun 17, 2007
The garden is one way this neighborhood of about 3,500 adults is working to erase health disparities that make them more prone to life-threatening illnesses and less likely to get routine checkups. Four years ago, a team of interviewers from the Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Southwest Baltimore community group called Operation ReachOut SouthWest gathered information from more than 1,400 residents on health behavior, health care... (SunSpot.net)
City to study black-white differences May 25, 2007
The battle against black-white health disparities is about to get official backing, as the Akron Health Department plans to open an office dedicated to the issue ... The round table formed its own health disparities subcommittee two months ago, but the chairman, Dr. Edmund Scott, doesn't see a new office of minority health as competition. (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Living)
Celebrated, challenged May 21, 2007
Owens, who's frustrated with the health disparities among African-Americans, will be trying to educate people about the dangers of HIV, hepatitis C and heart disease. "I am optimistic about the challenge before us," Galloway said. (SunSpot.net)
Ritter Signs Package Of Health-Care Bills May 16, 2007
The new laws are designed to help developmentally disabled children and young people in foster care, provide breakfast for school children who otherwise can't afford it and address health disparities in minority communities across the state ... Eliminate racial, ethnic and rural health disparities in Colorado. (CBS 4, CO)
Diversity still lagging in Bay State boardrooms May 11, 2007
"People and companies leaving the state, the achievement gap in education, health disparities, struggling cultural institutions, women making 71 cents on the dollar compared to men. Decisions on how to solve those problems aren't going to get made if boards don't reflect the increasing diversity of this state.". The UMass survey is the latest in a series of polls taken by the McCormack school as part of its Diversity Initiative, a partnership with various community groups and leaders, including... (Boston Globe -- Local)
Florida's minority health disparities addressed at Tampa conference May 9, 2007
"This summit is a forum to discuss efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities throughout Florida," Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros, DOH secretary of health, in a release. The theme of the summit is "Addressing Health Disparities: Moving beyond hope to action." The summit will host a series of sessions including examining youth and elderly populations, mental health and substance abuse issues in diverse populations, cultural competency, prejudice and bias in the health care system, and... (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Toward a level healthcare playing field Apr 25, 2007
WHILE RESEARCHERS are busy looking under the microscope for genetic differences to help explain health disparities among racial groups, organizations like the Boston Public Health Commission are busy dealing with the hard, cold facts on the ground ... At the commission, we measure Boston's progress on reducing health disparities and work with healthcare providers and others to improve patient care. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Enzyme Could Be Used To Predict Survival And Recurrence Rates For Nasopharyngeal Cancer Apr 20, 2007
"We continue to look for ways to combat health disparities in the United States and throughout the world," said Lewis Roberts, M.B.Ch. B., Ph. (Science Daily)
Race, genes, and illness Apr 19, 2007
More and more, researchers are holding out the hope that genetic differences may finally explain a good part of the troubling health disparities among races. Perhaps then, the reasoning goes, the powerful tools of molecular biology may help solve them. (Boston Globe)
Health disparities -- Genetics, society and race play an important role in access to healthcare Apr 16, 2007
Public release date: 15-Apr-2007. Contact: Staci Vernick Goldberg. (EurekAlert!)
Spring fashion show to help fund travels for pageant queen Apr 13, 2007
She chose a platform reflective of her medical interest: The Circle of Life: Bridging the Gap of Health Disparities in the African American Community. . (The Clarion-Ledger)
Top black surgeon calls for more minorities in medicine Apr 8, 2007
Leffall spoke Thursday at the at Birmingham's Health Disparities Research Symposium. Leffall, who was the first black person to be named president of the American Cancer Society, in 1978, noted that there are big differences between blacks and whites when it comes to cancer survival. (Shoals TimesDaily)
Jamison Pharmacy donates $25,000 scholarship to Claflin University Apr 3, 2007
Dr. Mark Jamison said he recognizes the enormous health disparities among minorities in South Carolina and the dismal percentages of African-American physicians, dentists and pharmacists. Jamison said, There are less than 5 percent African American dentists, pharmacists and physicians in South Carolina. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Morehouse School Of Medical Hosts Screening Of 'Life Support' Film About Living With HIV Mar 17, 2007
Satcher is currently Morehouse School of Medicine's director of the Center of Excellence on Health Disparities, and he holds the Poussaint-Satcher-Cosby Chair in Mental Health. Comcast's Director of Governmental Affairs Stacy Cole was also a host for the preview in Atlanta. (Atlanta Daily World, GA)
Save the Date Mar 14, 2007
Gendered Health Disparities: Professor Maithe Enriquez will focus on the poor health outcomes African-American and Hispanic women face due to the unequal treatment associated with racial and ethnic disparities in health care. African American History and Culture House, 5245 Rockhill Road, 7 p.m.. (University News, MO)
Health disparities in prostate cancer stem from lack of care, not lack of knowledge Mar 12, 2007
Public release date: 12-Mar-2007. Contact: Dianne Shaw. (EurekAlert!)
Chicago in the News Mar 2, 2007
Getting aggressive with health disparities. Olufunmilayo Olopade. (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
U.S. Efforts to Boost Medical Care for Poor Effective Mar 2, 2007
Health Disparities Collaboratives is having limited success, study finds ... The Health Disparities Collaboratives, sponsored by the government's Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), were designed to improve health care in community health centers, which often cater to underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and uninsured patients ... The researchers tracked outcomes for 9,658 patients at 44 community health centers participating in the Health Disparities... (MEDLINEplus)
State Panel Eager To Improve Black Men's Lives, Solve Issues Feb 28, 2007
" McNeil's comments echoed the pervasive concern among the council's 18 present members about the need not just to study, but to start solving social problems that disproportionately affect black men and boys. "We have the key deer, the alligator, the crocodile, we have the redwood forest," said Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami, who co-sponsored last year's legislation that created the council. "All of these are endangered species that this country is wrapping its arms around with foundations to... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
DEBORAH SIMMONS: Whistlers in Dixie Feb 23, 2007
Presidential hopeful Barack Obama "took a verbal beating from older leaders and those who feel the need to cozy up to the old guard while seeking their leadership strips. The senior crew questioned the senator's lack of dues paid, his skimpy congressional legislative record and blackness quotient... Part of the reaction by the last generation to the ascendancy of Mr. Obama is about shifting strategies on how to confront the African American political journey. For the exiting generation it has... (Washington Times)
UA football team to host drug awareness camp for youth Feb 21, 2007
Export aims to eliminate health disparities among minority groups in regards to diabetes and substance abuse. The athletes will be on hand to organize football drills as part of the learning activities held throughout the day. (FOX 11, AZ)
