A new report from the Commonwealth Fund reveals persistent and pervasive racial and ethnic health care disparities across the United States, with Black Americans and American Indians more likely to die prematurely from preventable conditions compared to other groups.
The report, titled “Advancing Racial Equity in U.S. Health Care: The Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report,” provides a comprehensive state-by-state analysis of health care access, quality, and outcomes. It highlights stark racial divides in premature deaths, even in states that perform relatively well overall.
“This report lays bare the persistent disparities people of color experience in accessing and receiving quality care across the U.S.,” said Dr. Laurie Zephyrin, Senior Vice President of Advancing Health Equity at the Commonwealth Fund. “We must do better — and we can start by rooting out pervasive racial and ethnic inequities in our health care system.”
The report emphasizes the need for tailored interventions at the state level to address the unique needs of communities facing health disparities. It also underscores the importance of addressing systemic racism and social determinants of health to achieve health equity.
“Advancing Racial Equity in U.S. Health Care: The Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report” April 18, 2024
