Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s Dr. Jay Vadgama Encourages Action for Health Equity During National Minority Health Month
By Anonymous | |
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Over the past several decades, we've seen vast improvements in research, health care and our environments. And yet, the health of underrepresented minority communities is still behind the general population. Underrepresented individuals are far more likely to suffer from chronic conditions and diseases that are often preventable, like obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Dr.
As a young child growing up in
"In 1992, I made a conscious decision to work at an institution where I could be directly involved in alleviating health disparities," said Dr. Vadgama. That year, he began his work at CDU and contributed to its continued commitment to serve the underserved.
His research work on health disparities involves several layers. As the Director of the Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities, he focuses on the development of translational cancer research that addresses basic cancer biology, education and training of students and young investigators in cancer health disparities, community engagement and outreach, as well as development of clinical resources to enhance research, service, and clinical care.
Within his role as the Principal Investigator for Accelerating Excellence in Translational Science (AXIS), he develops infrastructure at CDU to better engage faculty and community partners in health disparities research addressing multiple disease areas including cardio-metabolic diseases, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and others.
As the Interim Executive Vice President for Research and Health Affairs, he is collaborating with faculty and community partners, to bring together the various centers and institutes funded to conduct health disparities research and service under a single umbrella with a unified focus.
The Root Cause
Health disparities are differences that we see in the health status of different populations that are tied to social, economic, and environmental disadvantages. This not only is a lack of health insurance, health care, health care providers, but also healthy food, access to places to exercise and health education.
"The greatest disparity today is lack of sufficient healthcare resources and infrastructure to support healthfulness. For example, in underserved neighborhoods, there still persists a lack of healthy and affordable food options, safe exercise and recreation areas, in addition to primary and specialized healthcare providers. Combined, these factors exacerbate disparities and will continue to exist," said Dr. Vadgama.
There is Hope
The state of health disparities has changed since Dr. Vadgama started his work more than two decades ago.
Dr. Vadgama notes: "We have had significant progress in many areas. For example, in cancer, the screening rates for breast, gynecological, and colorectal cancer have improved significantly among underrepresented populations, which have helped bridge the gap of detection and outcomes. We are confident that many of our communities will have better opportunities to reduce these disparities with the implementation of Affordable Care Act, working in partnership with health care providers, community health centers and academic medical centers."
The Affordable Care Act will provide 10.2 million Latinos, 6.8 million African Americans, nearly 2 million Asian and Pacific Islanders, and over a half million American Indians and Alaska Native the opportunity to get health coverage.
In
"Healthcare reform provides for the first time a significant opportunity for 'those who were uninsured or under-insured to obtain the most fundamental basic health care and maintenance that will go a long way to reduce health disparities in our communities. However, the planning and subsequent implementation of the healthcare reform will be critical to ensure that all citizens are able to benefit from it equally," said Dr. Vadgama.
What
The goal is to eventually eliminate persistent gaps between the health of racial and ethnic minority populations and others. This may sound daunting, but there is plenty that can be done.
"The most important thing is that communities have to be self-empowered. Communities must take steps to participate at various levels - starting at home with their families and loved ones, at schools, and community centers. It is key for our communities to exercise their rights, have a strong voice and representation with their local, state, and national authorities. Specifically, it is important to be more involved in influencing governmental and policy organizations."
"Education about healthcare policies and recommendations in particular will make a significant difference. For example, there is still a perception that getting a mammogram will be too expensive and will take too much time. However, there are several programs, which will provide low-cost to no cost screening for women. The Affordable Care Act guarantees all women the right to be screened and pay for the costs. These are simple but vital pieces of information which need to be communicated and implemented and which community members themselves can be empowered to carry out. Additionally, churches and community centers can play a critical role in dissemination of this information, education, and in the empowerment process," said Dr. Vadgama.
Here are some more tips:
* Raise awareness of health disparities with your friends and family
* Learn about your rights and what resources you need
* Engage healthcare providers
* Get involved with healthcare and research activities at academic centers
* Practice individual healthful activities such as eating healthy, exercising, reducing stressful behavior, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
* Join and organize community health activities
For more information about Dr.
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