New California data resource highlights need for bold action on health disparities

Moy E, Washington DL. New California data resource highlights need for bold action on health disparities. California Health Care Foundation Blog [Internet]. 2019 Oct 25. Available from: https://www.chcf.org/blog/new-california-data-resource-bold-action-health-disparities/.

As policymakers confront significant social and economic inequality throughout our country, the role of racial and ethnic disparities in health care must be acknowledged and addressed. The success of these efforts depends on our ability to track relevant health care data about different population groups. How sick are patients when they show up at the doctor's office? What types of experiences do they have there? What kind of treatment outcomes can they expect? We need to understand whether improvements in morbidity and mortality are shared by the most vulnerable, or if they mostly benefit a select few. Only then can we begin to move to a society where all of us have an equal opportunity to live a long, healthy, and productive life.