S YSTEMS C HANGE N EWS Health disparities continue to be a main issue in the Latino/Hispanic community, much focus and resources are invested in improving access to care and quality of services for Latinos/Hispanics. However, this is an uphill battle because many initiatives are trying to address this issue, others are faced with challenges such as lack of information of when and where to access services, what supports and resources are available, etc. We should keep in mind that in order for health care disparities initiatives to be effective and produce a change, we must be aware and have an understanding how Latinos/Hispanics go about accessing and seeking health services. Major improvements in eliminating health disparities in the Latino/Hispanic community have been accomplished. To read full article, please visit our blog at http://daoconsultingservices.blogspot.com/2011/12/health disparitiesinlatinohispanic.html Physicians providing medical home care have the advantage of making a difference in patients and families’ care. Health disparities as we know it affects different minority groups such as racial and ethinic, groups, individuals with disabilities, socioeconomic disavantaged groups, and LGBT community. Recent studies show promising outcomes of how minority groups linked to medical home providers can improve their access to quality care and adhere to treatment and follow up visits. Studies also show a reduced rate in emergency room visits for illnesses that could be treated by a medical home provider. In a survey report released by the Commonwealth Fund in 2006 (which still very relavant to this date) new information about interventions that show promise for promoting equity in health care and addressing racial and ethnic disparities in access to highquality care were presented. To read full survey report click here http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Publications/Fund Reports/2007/Jun/ClosingtheDivideHowMedicalHomes PromoteEquityinHealthCareResultsFromThe CommonwealthF.aspx Our Mission is to help healthcare leaders make Here are some of the latest facts released by the CDC in a report by Fox News Latinos (http://latino.foxnews.mobi/quickPage.html?page=30392&exter nal=677178.proteus.fma ) • Hispanic girls (77.4 per 1,000 females) were three times more likely than whites (26.7) to end up pregnant, and somewhat higher than blacks (62.9). • MexicanAmericans have the least success in controlling high blood pressure – even though it is blacks and whites that have the highest high blood pressure rate. • Hispanics account for onethird of the population that is uninsured – and they tend to live in some of the most polluted and contaminated areas. • Asthma rates were higher among Puerto Ricans (18.4 percent) than any other ethnic groups (non Hispanics blacks had a 14.6 percent rate and among nonHispanic whites it was 8.2 percent.) Volume 1, Issue 1 January 2012 C ONNECTING PROVIDERS COMMUNITIES ™ Health Disparities in the Latino/Hispanic Community Can Medical Home Providers Help Eliminate Health Disparities Management Consulting Services Helen Dao, MHA President & CEO Our Mission is to help healthcare leaders make innovative and sustainable changes in their communities through healthcare education and strategies to eliminate health care disparities, promote culturally competent services, and increase access to care. Published by Dao Management Consulting Services, Inc. 285 West Side Avenue, Suite 255, Jersey City, NJ 07305 Tel.8009051208 / 2014482046 www.daoconsultingservices.com