Racial Equity and Health Policy

November marks National Native American Heritage Month, during which the U.S. recognizes the culture, heritage, and contributions of Indigenous people including those from American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Island communities.

September marks National Hispanic American Heritage Month during which the U.S. recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic people.

All racial and ethnic groups experienced improvements in health coverage, access, and utilization compared to prior to the ACA, but Hispanics and Blacks experienced improvements in the largest number of the examined measures related to coverage, access, and use.

Based on an analysis of electronic health records, Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients had significantly higher rates of hospitalization and death compared to their White counterparts.

Hispanic, Asian, and Black people are more likely than White people to live in households with more than four people, where not everyone will receive a free COVID-19 test from the federal government.

Overall cancer mortality rates have decreased for all racial and ethnic groups, with the largest decrease among Black people. However, Black people continued to have the highest risk of cancer death.

Due to systemic and overt discrimination, Black people are disproportionately affected by high maternal and infant morbidities and mortality. In addition to legislation, addressing systemic discrimination, implicit bias and racism will be integral to achieving equity in maternal health outcomes.