Advancing Health Equity: The Role of Providers and Patient Advocates

BCPA CE 1 | Ethics - JEDI

Disparities in healthcare and health outcomes persist in the U.S. For example, while overall life expectancy in the U.S. decreased in 2020 due to COVID-19, the decline was greatest among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black people than non-Hispanic white people—further widening a health disparity among these groups.

These disparities are attributed to broad structural, socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors that are rooted in years of systemic racism. Social drivers of health—including but not limited to socio-economic status, race/ethnicity, gender identity, and geographic location—impact more than 80 percent of health outcomes.

An intentional focus on and understanding of health disparities and the role providers and patient advocates can play in addressing inequities can serve as a catalyst for change and improved health outcomes for those who have been historically marginalized.