National Association of Social Workers

Disparities Keeping Care Out of Reach

Health, Mental Health Service Barriers Affect Many

"Social work has an important role to play in improving the nation's health status."

By Lyn Stoesen, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

In recent years, increasing attention to the problems posed by health and mental health disparities in the United States has highlighted some stark realities about the health of the nation.

"When you look at the advances that our society has made in health care, those advances have clearly benefited parts of our population, and other parts of our population have been left out," said Valire Carr Copeland, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

For example:

• Research shows that death rates for racial and ethnic minority populations due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast and cervical cancer, and HIV/AIDS, as well as infant mortality, are up to nearly eight times the rates for nonminority populations
• According to the Intercultural Cancer Council, minority women and women with low incomes are significantly less likely to practice appropriate mammography and Pap test screening.
• African American and Hispanic people living with HIV are only about half as likely as white Americans to participate in clinical trials of new medications.
• Mexican Americans are much more likely to be exposed to pesticides, herbicides and pest repellants and to be exposed at higher levels.

The term "health disparities" encompasses a range of social, economic, language and other barriers that people may face in accessing health and mental health services. Those affected by disparities include racial and ethnic minorities, people living in poverty, people who don't speak English or people living in rural areas with few health care options, among others.

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From October 2004 NASW News. © 2004 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.