My Mind, My Body, My Journey™ 

The Office of Minority of Health (OMH) established health awareness promotions throughout the year to raise awareness on minority health disparities and provide opportunities to improve the health and wellness needs among communities of color.  In April OMH established National Minority Health Month and Black Maternal Health Week. Racial disparities in maternal health have become more severe over the last 30 years¹. American Indian women are more than two times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications when compared to White women¹. Black women are three-four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications when compared to White women¹.

There have been a variety of studies that have attempted to explain why racial health disparities occur, with factors such as barriers to accessing care, lack of insurance, poverty, and other social determinants of health; however there have also been studies to suggest that racial biases, prejudice, and discrimination are likely contributing factors. Given that Black female celebrities such as Serena Williams and Gabrielle Union have spoken about pregnancy related complications that were dismissed by their provider, it is possible that barriers and social determinants of health may only explain a small portion of maternal health disparities.

A recent study published in the American Medical Association journal reported that life expectancy increases among Black people living in areas of the US that have a higher proportion of Black primary care physicians (PCP)². This cohort study explored the health outcomes of Blacks residing in 1618 counties throughout the US in 2009, 2014, and 2019². It was noted that every 10% increase in Black PCP representation was associated with a 31-day higher life expectancy among Black people and fewer disparities in mortality rates between Black and White Americans². It was concluded that to improve population health needs of Black Americans, investments should be made to build a more representative PCP workforce.² In the United States there is a lack of diversity among physicians and other healthcare providers.

I think the diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) movement can improve maternal health outcomes, as barriers may exist in efforts to diversify the healthcare industry. DEI interventions describe how to promote the respect of differences and similarities among people in settings such as workplace and academic settings. Diversity focuses on differences due to race, gender, religion, and ability. Equity is the concept of providing equal opportunities and resources based on needs, as opposed to treating everyone the same. Inclusion, includes creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.

Academic programs should focus on ensuring DEI principles are ingrained in the curriculum and work actively to provide anti-racism training to students. Similar concerns should also be present in the workplace, particularly due to concerns that racial biases may impact health outcomes and life expectancy. The role of DEI principles should not solely fall on the academic institution or workplace, as students and employees should be actively involved in the need to overcome their biases. Individuals are attracted to healthcare and other helping professions to make a difference and improve lives, but there should also be a conscious effort to ensure that your efforts are equitably improving the lives of everyone you serve. Health equity is a shared responsibility.

References:

1. Racial Disparities in Maternal Health. U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Published September 2021. Washington DC. 09-15-Racial-Disparities-in-Maternal-Health.pdf (usccr.gov). Accessed April 23, 2023.
2. Black People Live Longer in Counties with More Black Physicians: Study. Becker’s Hospital Review Website. Black people live longer in counties with more Black physicians: Study (beckershospitalreview.com). Accessed April 23, 2023.