Set the stage for health equity.

Projection

By 2045, 50% of Americans will have at least one or more diverse identities, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and more.

Source: Projections of the Size and Composition ofthe U.S. Population: 2014 to 2060

Problem

Yet, health care is failing Americans. Racial disparities alone have led to 3.5 million life years lost in just 2020.

Source: Kellogg Foundation

There are mis-diagnoses.

For example: Traditional biopsies may be more likely to miss areas of high-grade prostate cancer in Black men and people than in men and people of other racial/ethnic groups, leading to a higher likelihood of misdiagnosis of low-grade disease.

There is a lack of return to health care.

For example: Transgender patients are 10% less likely to get routine check ups and on top of that, 29% of transgender patients were even refused to be seen by their providers. Transgender patients are already more likely to have poorer health, therefore this lack of inclusive care leads to worse health and more strain on our health care system.

There are dangerous biases that lead to improper care.

For example: Medical professionals are 10% less likely to admit Black patients to the hospital compared to white patients. Relative to white patients, Black patients are less likely to be given pain medications and, if given, they receive lower quantities.

Takeaway

This is a medical emergency.

Health care is not inclusive. Health care is not equitable. Violet believes the way to fix this problem is through ensuring clinicians have the tools and support to provide culturally competent care.

Next Chapter

What is culturally competent care and why is it important?

Continue

Achieving health equity.