Health care needs to diversify its workforce to get rid of racial inequalities in the U.S., a new report says
Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association and co-chair of the committee that wrote the report, said people of color in the U.S. are more likely to experience maternal and infant mortality, lower life expectancy and many chronic diseases. The committee behind the report suggested that more practicing physicians who are from diverse backgrounds and from the communities they serve would improve several problem areas; studies show that people of color generally receive better care when treated by those who look like them.
“Health systems should work with the community to understand what their needs are, and engage them early and often,” Benjamin said. Other suggested steps involve collecting better health care data at the federal level and providing more money for research and programs proven to reduce racial and ethnic inequities.