Addressing Health Disparities During National Minority Health Month
In observance of National Minority Health Month this April, Fidelis Care is raising awareness about the health disparities facing minorities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), racial and ethnic minority groups throughout the United States experience higher rates of illness and death across a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and heart disease.
A key goal of health equity is ensuring everyone receives quality care that respects diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values. "Fidelis Care addresses the needs of its members from both a health equity and a Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) understanding,” said Dr. Patrice Reives-Bright, Senior Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Fidelis Care. “We must support key areas that impact members’ overall health and well-being, along with SDoH issues such as poverty, discrimination, and access to education and economic opportunities. These efforts significantly affect minority health. Our teams work every day to increase opportunities for members to have the healthiest life possible.”
Fidelis Care works together with providers and community partners to educate our members about healthcare and the importance of regular doctor visits and screenings. These efforts can help improve health outcomes for minority populations.
We partner with providers like Rendr that create tailored care for members of minority populations. Rendr provides healthcare services to the underserved Asian American community in New York City. Clinical, analytic, and operational teams conduct full assessments to target gaps in patient care, including breast cancer screenings and diabetes-related eye exams.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, minority and immigrant communities suffered disproportionately, and health disparities grew,” said Dr. Nafila Kouba, Chief Medical Officer of Rendr. “Rendr was able to rapidly implement telemedicine services to provide virtual care to the Asian American population and was one of the first community-based healthcare networks authorized by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide COVID-19 vaccines across communities with high concentrations of Asian immigrants.”
Rendr recognizes and respects patients' cultural beliefs and values, and understands how these factors influence health behaviors, Dr. Kouba said. To fight the stigma around mental health diseases in the Asian community, Rendr integrates the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) into its services, allowing for comprehensive mental health treatments to be done in primary care settings. Dr. Kouba explained that by doing so, “Rendr addresses the needs of patients who may be hesitant to seek care from mental health specialists, but feel more comfortable consulting their primary care providers.”
Fidelis Care also works closely with community partners like the Buffalo Urban League in Western New York and supports its initiatives to close healthcare gaps. Melissa Archer, PMNP, Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Urban League, said “Despite advancements in healthcare, persistent disparities continue to exist, adversely affecting the health and well-being of minority populations. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, discrimination, and systemic barriers contribute to these disparities.”
According to Archer, the Buffalo Urban League plays a vital role in addressing the many challenges faced by urban communities. “Among these challenges, health disparities stand out as a significant barrier to achieving equitable outcomes,” she said. “Some of the keyways the Buffalo Urban League promotes health equity is through community health education, collaborations, and various services provided to community members. In addition, by forging partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, local universities, government agencies, and other stakeholders, the Buffalo Urban League creates synergies that enhance its impact and reach.”
The Buffalo Urban League adopts a holistic approach to well-being, which includes addressing SDoH such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, economic instability, and educational disparities. “By addressing the root causes of health inequities, the Buffalo Urban League works to create conditions that support the health and prosperity of all community members,” Archer said. "Through its commitment to education, access, advocacy, partnerships, and holistic approaches to well-being, the Buffalo Urban League is making tangible strides toward creating healthier, more equitable futures for all.”
“Fidelis Care is committed to promoting health equity and delivering culturally sensitive care to every one of our members, including those in minority populations,” Dr. Reives-Bright added. “Our partnerships, like our collaborations with Rendr and the Buffalo Urban League, demonstrate our dedication to creating a healthier and more inclusive future for all.”