[PD-4] Strengthening U.S. Health Policy to Eliminate Health Disparities
Barbara Krimgold, BA, Center for the Advancement of Health, Washington, DC
(Adapted from the authors' Health Affairs March/April 2002 article)
Barbara Krimgold, S. Leonard Syme and Bonnie Lefkowitz
2000 Florida Ave, NW, #210, Center for the Advancement of Health, Washington, DC 20009
Purpose: Research suggests a strong link between socioeconomic factors and health. There is also evidence that race is inextricably linked to socioeconomic status but displays an independent effect on health, such that, in every income group, the health of black Americans is worse than that of their white American counterparts. Research suggests a policy agenda; this paper considers barriers to policy action.
Methods: Researchers have examined various mediators between socioeconomic status, race and health. Their policy agenda includes health care and human services, education, housing and other sectors. In the U.S., we have extensive experience with community programs that combine health care, education, and economic development. We examine barriers to more extensive intersectoral policy action to help achieve the ambitious Healthy People 2010 goal of eliminating health disparities.
Results: Strategies to overcome barriers to policy action include demonstrating cost effectiveness; finding common ground with health care advocates, health behaviorists, public health constituencies; and building coalitions for policy change and action in states and communities.
Conclusion: Attention must be focused on the quality and relevance of research, the effectiveness of community outreach, and the creative use of governmental institutions at all levels.
