National Minority Health Month is a time to raise awareness about health care inequities that impact the daily lives of millions of African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Hispanic families and individuals. It is also a time to reflect on the actions we are taking today to eliminate these disparities so that everyone in this country has the opportunity to achieve their optimal level of health.
Nearly 30 years ago, then U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Margaret M. Heckler established the group that developed the Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health, known as the Heckler Report. The Heckler Report pointed out conditions that accounted for 60,000 excess deaths each year among minority populations and suggested ways to address health inequity. The Task Force offered recommendations in areas in which urgent improvements were needed, including reforming our nation’s health care delivery system so that it is better, smarter and healthier - with the ultimate goal of improved health for everyone.
Recently, HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced major revisions to the way we pay for and deliver care, and how we distribute health care information. These revisions include releasing payment goals for incentivizing quality care, improving care delivery through programs such as the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative, and making health information more accessible, as outlined in the draft HHS Shared Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap. Last month, during an event to launch the Learning and Action Network, President Obama emphasized the importance of improving our health care delivery system.
As a physician who still cares for patients in New Orleans, I see the impact of this work up close and personal. I have seen patients, many of whom suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, juggle multiple medications and providers, and lack access to decent housing and transportation – all while supporting a family. The good news is that these patients have benefited from our new delivery system models that are rewarding quality over quantity. A good example is the Patient Centered Medical Home model, in which patients have a personal physician who coordinates all their care so they have access to comprehensive care, including acute care, chronic care, and preventive services. Delivery system improvements such as these can literally change lives.
Our work to transform the health care delivery system is critical, but we recognize that it is not enough. In order to truly end health care disparities, we must engage the public health system and address the social determinants of health. All sectors need to work together to achieve health equity. HHS is committed to do all we can to make sure the goals of the Heckler Report – health equity for all – are realized.
Karen B. DeSalvo, MD, MPH, MSc, is the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.