Greater attention to issues of health equity and health disparity in the United States has fueled the need for more information about the current state of health equity, and the goals of Federal, State, and local authorities and community organizations focused on building health equity.
CDC Health Disparities and Inequities Report—United States, 2013:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/other/su6203.pdf
The CDC conducted an assessment of health disparities in the United States in terms of diseases, behavioral factors, social determinants of health, access to care, and environmental risks. The results presented show a heavy burden of disease and illness on certain populations and a need for action to reduce health disparities. CHER uses these findings to guide our research to help understand why these disparities exist and how to improve the lives of individuals who carry the burden of health inequity.
Healthy People 2020 Brochure:
http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/pdfs/hp2020_brochure.pdf
The Healthy People 2020 brochure contains a set of measurable goals and objectives that aim to promote wellness and prevent and reduce disease and health disparities across the country. These objectives help us identify where health equity research and evaluation is needed and the top health priorities.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health 2012 HIV Surveillance Report:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/wwwfiles/ph/hae/hiv/2012AnnualHIVSurveillanceReport.pdf
The 2012 HIV Surveillance Report offers preliminary data for rates of HIV infection and transmission in Los Angeles County. We use this report to identify local populations in need and to better inform our efforts to increase HIV testing and linkage to medical care.
Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development’s 2010 Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare in California report:
http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/hid/Products/PatDischargeData/ResearchReports/EthnicRacialDisp/RacialEthnicFactBook_2010.pdf
This report offers data on racial and ethnic inequalities in access to quality health care, health outcomes, and utilization of services in California. The results indicate a reduction of health disparities since 2007, but health inequities still exist across racial and ethnic groups. These findings are important to prioritize research on improving access to quality medical care and reducing health disparities for racial and ethnic minorities.