Health Disparities – Unequal Access and Unequal Outcomes February 16, 2006 African-American Health Information & Resource Center Ms. Ella Williamson, Director

What We Recognize and Affirm Health of individuals is greatly affected by their physical and socioeconomic environment. People will never be effective users of health care or responsive to preventative health measures until their basic needs are met. People’s health care needs are most effectively served in the context of their own cultures and communities. Health disparities do not just happen they are created over time with natural biological and behavioral forces that intersect with such factors as poverty and discrimination, and are modified by a variety of community, social, and economic forces.

Mission Statement The mission of the St. Joseph’s/Candler African- American Health Information & Resource Center is to provide access to information technology and educational resources that promotes positive health outcomes and improves the quality of life for African-Americans and the general public. To address disparities, the AAHIRC was strategically placed in an inner city neighborhood in Savannah. Residents of this community reflect national statistics in regard to poverty, single-head households, and access to the Internet.

The Center provides the following services to the community: Health Screenings Case Management Health Seminars Internet Access Computer Classes Audio-Visual and other Written Materials Resource Library Professional Puppet Shows Reading & Math Tutorial Ladies Living Smart Fitness Club the Health & Inspirational Book Club Health Literacy Classes and Savannah's first Lupus Support Group.

Accomplishments The Center has conducted more 1,362 free screenings to promote health and prevent health problems before risks are apparent and problems occur. The Center developed a ten-week health literacy course using the “5 point model to help low-income and low literate individuals in the target areas increase their access to health services, and engage them in positive behaviors for themselves and their families. The need being addressed is poor health due to health literacy. Health Literacy is the ability to read, understand and act on health care information.

Accomplishments Con’t The Center has a Case Management program to increase the health and the quality of life for patients by addressing their expressed psycho-social-emotional needs. Also, the Case Manager conduct assessments of patients' strengths and resources, address expressed needs, assist patients in determining goals, and a plan of action. The case manager make home visits, inform patients of community resources, and advocate on behalf of patients to access community resources. Hundreds of individuals attend the Wisdom and Gathering sessions to discuss health topics such as: health disparities among women of color, eye care, women and oncology issues, and colorectal cancer.

Secrets to Our Success Our prevention services has a tracking mechanism/follow-up to services. We provide clear evidence that what we are doing is making the intended difference. This has obvious value in a time of limited and shrinking resources. We are culturally competence meaning the capacity to function effectively as an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities. Cultural values are the principles which guide people’s action, motivate their lives and provide their direction for living. We have strategy related services and health related services ( built incentives.)

Challenges A set of measurable outcomes to track progress in reducing health disparities ( mapping.) Policymakers still must be educated on the fact that prevention is the best investment. Conduct/identify research issues on the health status of racial/ ethnic populations. Streamlining funding to make sure that communities hardest hit by disparities have a higher priority for receiving funds.

Lessons Learned Targeted interventions for specific population. Socioeconomic and educational levels plays a pivotal role in whether an individual successfully navigate through the Health System. Even with access to information and services, disparities may still exist because many people lack health literacy. Health promotion programs must be sensitive to the diverse cultural norms and beliefs of the people for whom the programs are intended. Improved quality of life allows people to have energy and resources to create stronger families and become more involved with their communities. Must be familiar with traditional verse non-traditional resources.