Baltimore County Health Department issued the following announcement on Apr. 08.
The focus for Day 5 of National Public Health Week is “Accessibility: Closing the Health Equity Gap." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined health disparity as “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.
Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; religion; socioeconomic status; gender; age; mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion.” Lack of health insurance has also been a barrier to health equity, but under the Affordable Care Act, insured rates have improved dramatically. In 2008, only 83.2% of people younger than 65 reported having medical insurance, but by 2014, the insured rate went up to 86.7%.
In Baltimore County, we are committed to reducing the impact of health disparities so that every resident has an equal opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. Through our many outreach activities, mobile services and social services programs, it is our goal to improve the lives of all County residents, regardless of the obstacles that have historically presented barriers to care. In addition, Baltimore County has a designated Health Equity Director who oversees and assists in the implementation of initiatives to reduce disparities and create opportunities for access to health care and support. To learn more about this important issue, visit https://www.healthypeople.gov/.../foundation.../Disparities.
Remember: Public Health is Where You Are!
Original source can be found here.
Source: Baltimore County Health Department
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