Reducing Disparities/Promoting Equity

What is “Disparity”
“Disparity” in healthcare means that not everyone gets the same quality of care. Research shows the quality of health care in America is lower than it should be for many patients, especially those from certain racial, ethnic, and language backgrounds.  Many studies have shown that African Americans and Hispanics are likely to get a lower standard of care than people who are white—even when health coverage, income levels, education, and other social and economic factors are equal.

Reducing healthcare disparities is an important area of focus... of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF). Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) initiative. RWJF is supporting efforts that will help everyone get quality care, regardless of ethnicity or social economic background. 

Maine’s Populations:

Though Maine’s population is mostly Caucasian, different populations do exist.  Also, many Maine residents face financial challenges, which can also make it more difficult to find quality care.

Efforts Happening In Maine

Quality Counts is working on doing the following things to help everyone receive quality care:

• Leading many Quality Improvement efforts that will help everyone get high quality care.
• Improving access in rural parts of the state.
• Creating materials to help make all consumers aware of these issues.
• Creating materials specifically for ethnic populations to help them manage their chronic health conditions.
• Teaching healthcare providers how best to work with consumers from different ethnic backgrounds (cultural sensitivity training).