Local experts speak on health inequities for marginalized groups
Health Equity
The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy is highlighting women’s issues in the state of Delaware. Data from that study shows that women in the first state are more likely to be living in poverty than men, which creates healthcare barriers.
Health Inequities
DELAWARE – While the survey mentioned how maternal and infant mortality rates continue to improve, they also mentioned how many racial and ethnic disparities unfairly impact Delaware women of color. Medical professionals speak about the survey and about the mistreatment in medicine.
A recent study showed that 18 % of Delaware women reported poor health status. When broken down by race, 24% of black women and 27% of Hispanic women say they are in poor health compared to 15% of white women. Lavisha Pelaez is the Health Equity Operations and Evaluation Scientist for Nemours Children’s Health. She says putting everyone into a box is part of the reason we have disparities to begin with, and plenty of people have the desire to be healthy, just not the opportunity.
“There’s been a lot of studies and a lot of work done that have essentially shown that the health of the mother, the health of women does have an association with the health of their family,” says Pelaez. “You know, For me it’s systemic, right? It’s the way in which we approach health care doesn’t work for everyone. the things that each individual family or a person needs, may look different from the person next to me… Coming in to your doctor to get a flu shot at a scheduled appointment time, may not be the best way to have that done… Some of the things that we’ve done across our system have been to offer Saturday Flu clinics for example.”
Pelaez says community health efforts like pop-up flu clinics and screenings are models for how medical professionals should think outside the box to help everyone. “Let’s think creatively about how we can provide the sort of health care that each person wants for themselves, that they need, in a way that works for them, and makes it as accessible as possible.” Pelaez says many environmental issues also have an effect on overall health and life expectancy, and these things should be considered when professionals get together to discuss potential solutions to healthcare inequities.
The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy says it serves as a clearinghouse of information and publishes regular reports highlighting issues that impact Delaware women. And if you need health resources in Sussex, Kent, or New Castles counties, reach out to your local department of health
Drive-Thru Flu Clinic
MARYLAND – Speaking of ways to bridge gaps in healthcare and create equity, Tidal Health is offering free drive thru Flu clinics this fall season. The CDC reports over 200,000 Americans get the flu every year, and many people even die.
Kat Rodgers is the Director of Community and Health Initiatives for Tidal Health. She says this is their 30th drive in Flu clinic, and it’s important because it can keep the overall community healthy, and it’s better to get the shot early. Rodgers says everyone 6 months and older should get their vaccination, adding that not only does this keep community health up, but it also addresses health inequities.
“Definitely people who are over 65, people who are younger than 5, and then anyone with chronic conditions, underlying conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure can put them at greater risk, asthma… We work with local churches, and other community organizations to bring flu shots into area where there’s even less access and less transportation. So, we do small pop-up flu clinics throughout the season.”
The next Tidal Health drive thru flu clinic is October 5th from 8 am to noon in Crisfield. They’ll also be in Bridgeville offering vaccines during the Apple Scrapple Festival.
