Does racism have an impact on health?

Does racism have an impact on health?

Racism in the health care system continues to confound but a few researchers are taking a historic look and holistic approach to addressing racism’s effect on Black and poor communities.

One researcher is using his foundation-funded fellowships to dive into the barriers to good health in the Black community, namely Overtown, Florida. While another joined an organization that looks for ways to keep historically racist practices out of today’s health care system.

“The reality is that because physicians have bias, they treat their patients differently,” said Dr. Armen Henderson, an internist working at the University of Miami Hospital.

“Look at the health disparities in our communities,” said Daniel Gibson, regional vice president of the Allegheny Franciscan Ministries, a nonprofit Catholic organization, which works with partners to support life skills, training and economic development in urban neighborhoods.

“Life expectancy of a resident of Overtown is 16 years less than a resident in Brickell, [Florida]” said Gibson. “And they are less than a mile away from each other.” He said the average life expectancy in Brickell is 79, while Overtown residents die on average at 63 years of age.

Gibson participates in a three-year fellowship program, which addresses equity, diversity and inclusion in the health care industry. He is one of 40 leaders nationwide participating in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program called Leadership for Better Health. The foundation seeks to build a “Culture of Health” and draws participants from the medical professions, social scientists, urban planners, and others to develop leaders who will strive to make American communities healthier.

Gibson’s work in Overtown was the reason he was chosen to participate in this expansive study of how health is impacted by a number of social and economic factors.

His organization has been working and coordinating efforts to improve the lives of Overtown residents and has allocated $2.7 million for its Common Good Initiative to assist in community and human development programs.

“Our goal is to make Overtown a safe and healthy place to live,” said Gibson.