February is Black History Month, a reminder of how vital it is to have conversations about health care inequities, particularly among racial minorities. Health care inequities are defined as avoidable and unjust inequalities that can lead to inferior health for disadvantaged social groups, including people who are poor and/or disabled, women, and racial and ethnic minorities.1 Black individuals have predominantly been classified as an underserved population. Image credit: Alvaro Sanchez/ADDICTIVE STOCK | stock.adobe.comThe existing gaps in health care equity were increasingly brought to light during the worst public health calamity in years: the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why it is our utmost responsibility as health care professionals to fight systemic and individual racism, address inequalities, and close the existing gaps in patient care. It is necessary for the federal government and health care systems to create solid plans to provide truly equal and accessible health care for all.

Source: Washington Post February 14, 2024 14:44 UTC