April is National Minority Health Month
Since 2002, April has been officially recognized as National Minority Health Awareness Month by the National Institute of Health, focusing on raising awareness around the healthcare inequities that commonly affect Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities. We can eliminate these disparities through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications by working together. Because when we partner for health equity, we can build stronger, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.
Let's Close the Gap
Which people of certain races, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds are at a higher risk of certain diseases in your community? Why do they often go undiagnosed an untreated? Learn about the Boston Scientific Close the Gap program and take action to address healthcare inequalities in the United States.
Who’s Affected
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 causes of death in the United States1
Minorities are almost half as likely to get preventive treatment for heart disease than Caucasians2
Women represent about 51% of the U.S. population yet only make up ~20% of enrolled patients in clinical trials3
We Cannot Treat What We Cannot See
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Resources for Physicians Like You
Understanding the challenges people face in accessing care can help you develop an effective outreach program for your community. Based on research conducted specifically to gain these insights, here you will find fast facts about the barriers that women and minorities say prevent them from following the path to treatment, along with ready-made tools you can use for outreach.
Resources for Your Patients
Boston Scientific partnered with patients to find out what information they want in order to take charge of their own health. Direct your patients to our patient-friendly site for:
- A personalized cardiovascular risk assessment
- Easy-to-use Find a Doctor tool
- Educational materials on heart disease
- Basic health disparities information
- Importance of diversity in clinical trials
Dedicated health equity consultants from Boston Scientific can help you build an outreach program specifically
designed to reach those most at-risk within your community.
References:
1 CDC, NCHS. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2015. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2013, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed Feb. 3, 2015.
2 Bonow, R., Grant, A., Jacobs, A. The Cardiovascular State of the Union: Confronting Healthcare Disparities. Circulation. 2005: 111; 1205-1207.
3 Mehta, LS., et al. (2016). Acute Myocardial Infarction in Women: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 133(9): 916-947.