After the tragic killing of George Floyd right here in Minneapolis, and the marches and even riots, my awareness of racism has grown. In the last couple of weeks, we have witnessed firsthand the pain of “disparity”.  One topic that keeps coming to my mind is healthcare.

“Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations.”  www.cdc.gov

 I am in quarantine complaining because I cannot go to the dentist, or my husband had to cancel his much-needed cataract surgery. This week I had a flash of realization and a stab to my conscience — we are fortunate.  Blessed with health insurance and financial resources, under usual circumstance, healthcare is readily available.  Many people do not have that luxury.

I am proud to work for Be The Match® where every day we strive to save lives through blood and marrow transplant. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that matching is related to ethnicity, these life-saving therapies are less available to underserved and minority populations.  What does this mean regarding the odds of finding a bone marrow or stem cell match?

• Caucasian – 77% chance
• American Indian or Alaska Native – 57% chance
• Hispanic or Latino – 46% chance
• Asian or Pacific Islander – 41%
• Black or African American – 23% chance

https://bethematch.org/transplant-basics/matching-patients-with-donors/how-does-a-patients-ethnic-background-affect-matching/

 Be the Match is more committed than ever to reach our goal, “Equal Outcomes for All”. We are desperately in need of donors, in particular those who are young and of ethnic minorities. You can read Be the Match’s commitment to equality here: https://bethematch.org/blog/advocacy/words-are-not-enough/#intention-form-container

I am also proud to be a volunteer Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association®, who focuses on Alzheimer’s (and other dementia’s) care, support, and research.  In one of the talks I present, “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research”, I teach ideas for body and brain health relevant to everyone.

The Alzheimer’s Association also recognizes disparity in healthcare.  “Studies indicate that, while whites make up the majority of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease, African-Americans are about twice as likely as older whites to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.”  We partner with organizations serving Black and African Americans, Latino/Hispanic communities, and the LGBTQ populations to learn how we can better serve all people dealing with this dreaded disease.  https://alz.org/about/our-commitment-to-diversity-and-inclusion

In 2020 we have witnessed the destruction of the COVID-19 virus, especially in racial and minority ethnic groups.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/racial-ethnic-minorities.html.  Unfortunately, this is just a reflection of healthcare issues across all populations without the proper access to medical needs.

We all need to fight for equity in our own way.  I am uncomfortable going to assemblies or marches due to COVID-19 concerns.  But I can donate money, food, or other items to those whose livelihoods were obliterated first by COVID-19, and then the riots.  Letters, emails, even tweets can be sent to legislators asking them to find solutions for healthcare disparities. I can keep educating on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias via virtual presentations, and I can support my company in its fight for equal treatments for all populations.

What can you do today?

Thank you for sharing this long blog me; be safe and God bless.

nancyrpoland.com, #dancingwithlewy