Race and Ethnic Background Influence Quality of Healthcare:

Despite experiencing illness at high rates, having the lowest life expectancy compared to other demographics, and being one of the most economically disadvantaged racial groups in America, current challenges to healthcare are affecting African-Americans at disproportionate rates. Native Americans and Hispanics are also subject to such difficulties and inequalities. Health disparities, a lack of accessibility to healthcare services, and failure to expand Medicaid in the South are all major issues that philanthropy needs to take into further consideration.

Limited Accessibility:

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Health Professional Service Areas (HPSAs) illustrate healthcare provider shortages by using either geographic, population, or facility-based data, taking into account primary care, dental health, and mental health. The HRSA also defines Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/Ps) as geographic areas or populations that do not have sufficient access to primary care providers; MUA/Ps identify the populations (i.e. the homeless, racial groups, low-income) that experience inadequate health services. Both HPSAs and MUA/Ps are important for highlighting the imbalance between healthcare availability and needs of care among varying groups of people.