CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – A new study shows how the health care gap affects elderly African Americans in South Carolina compared to other demographics.
AARP, along with researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, Clemson and the University of South Carolina have come together to diagnose and correct the problems that lead to health disparities among black communities.
“This is a complex issue,” said AARP SC state advocacy director Jo Pauling-Jones. “It is something that will require the collaboration of several agencies, which is one of the recommendations.”
The report states that African Americans in the state consistently have an increased risk of contracting Alzheimer’s, dying of a stroke or certain types of cancer. They also have higher rates of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
In his 40-year medical career, Dr. Thaddeus John Bell has worked to bring awareness to these lingering issues.
“I think the medical profession in general is now facing the unequal treatment that minorities, people of color and the poor have received,” said Bell.
Bell is now working with AARP on a new online video series called Living well with Dr. Bell. Its goal is to educate black communities on ways to live healthier and longer lives.
“Teach people, spend time with people explaining why it matters and what I’m asking you to do to live longer,” said Bell.
Heather Boger, of the MUSC Aging Center, said the newly compiled data on health problems faced by the minority population will be used as a tool to help hospitals like hers reach and prioritize those most in need.
“Making a petition not only to the MUSC, but also to the state, to obtain resources available to elderly African Americans who are most at risk of presenting these disparities,” said Boger. “This is what we need to increase our efforts, increase our education, our reach, the provision of resources, etc.”
The researchers say the report is just the beginning, the next steps include interviews with the most affected people and, eventually, the launch of a list of action steps for health systems across the state.
“It demonstrates our commitment to eliminating disparities and that is what we want to do, we want people to live their best lives as they age,” said Jones. “And we know that bridging these disparities is the way to do that.”
People can read the full report online here.
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