Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Report Highlights Disparities (posted 5/15)

On May 6th the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released two reports in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that assess the status of health care quality in the United States and identify differences or gaps in healthcare quality or access.  The first report, the National Healthcare Quality Report (NHQR) has been released each year since 2003 and reports on progress and opportunities for improving health care quality.  The second report, the National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR) examines health care disparities as an integral part of improving overall health care quality.  Both reports use 220 measures across four dimensions of quality: effectiveness, patient safety, timeliness, and patient centeredness.  The NHDR report found that for both categories of measurement, quality of care and access to care, disparities persist for all populations.  For Blacks, Asians, American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), Hispanics, and poor people, at least 60% of measures of quality of care are not improving (either stayed the same or worsened).  The report includes new measures on mental health treatment for depression to fill the data gap in this topic area that has existed in previous reports.  Additionally, there are specific sections on HIV/AIDS and mental health and substance abuse in the Quality of Care Section. There is also a specific section in the Access to Care portion of the report devoted to mental health care & substance abuse. To download the reports directly from the HHS website click here .

Data on Expanded HIV Testing Results in Emergency Rooms (posted 5/15)

On May 11th the San Francisco Chronicle reported on the preliminary data from the Centers Disease Control's (CDC) 2007 mandate to increase HIV testing nationwide.  The new date might help to explain th 15 percent increase in the total number of new HIV cases in the United States since 2007.  According to hospital officials, the new HIV cases are appearing in virtually every patient demographic, although uninsured patients constitute 73 percent of cases.  Emergency rooms in particular are increasing their HIV testing.  Health officials say hospital emergency departments were targeted in an effort to reach a large number of patients, some who may be using the emergency room for primary care.  For more information and to read the article from the San Francisco Chronicle click here . 

Tribes Battle Meth Use on Their Own Terms (posted 5/13)

This article produced by the Office of Minority Health discusses Native American tribal responses to methamphetamine use in the Native American community.  Abuse rates among Native Americans have exceeded national averages as tribes have been targeted by drug cartels, causing many tribes to go on the offense.  Now the goal is to keep children involved and bolster tribal members' appreciation for their history and culture through classes in their native language, a week-long language camp for young people to work on story telling, arts and crafts. Movie nights, ice skating and fishing derbies are offered for young people's evenings and weekends.  To read the full article and access other resources click here .

California’s Emergency Preparedness Efforts for Culturally Diverse Comunities (posted 5/13)

On May 11th the Center for Health Equality at the Drexel University School of Public Health with joint support from The California Endowment and the HHS Office of Minority Health announced the release of a report entitled California's Emergency Preparedness Efforts for Culturally Diverse Communities: Status, Challenges and Directions for the Future. This report, the first of its kind, conducts a systematic statewide assessment of emergency preparedness programs and initiatives for racially and ethnically diverse communities. While this report focuses on the state of California, it provides a methodological framework that allows for similar assessments to be conducted at national, state, and local levels.  To download the report click here .  For more information from the National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities click here .  To visit Drexel University's Center for Health Equality click here .

RWJF Report Links Health Gaps to Education (posted 5/8)

On May 6, 2009 the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America release a report entitled Reaching America’s Health Potential Among Adults: A State-by-State Look at Adult Health.  This 20-page report adds to a growing body of research highlighting the extent to which social factors affect health.  The report shows that across the country and in every state, adults with less education are more likely to be in less than very good health than college graduates, and adults in every state fall far short of the level of good health that should be achievable for all Americans.  Additionally, while the gaps between the least and most educated are the most dramatic, there can be significant gaps in health even between those with some college education and those who have finished college. These gaps in health by education exist in every state—even states that rank highest when it comes to overall health. For more information click here .  To download the report from the RWJF website click here .

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