The research question addressed in the article was; what steps are necessary to reduce racial inequalities in health? It was noted that racial gaps in health continue to persist despite progress being made to eradicate inequities over time. Three approaches were made to verify the reduction of racial health disparities. One is creating communities of opportunity. It was noted that dismantling the systems was the key to reducing inequalities based on racial discrimination. Inequalities in health are believed to be starting way back in the early stages of life. Investments in early childhood interventions need to be made to eradicate this inequity. Childhood poverty needs to be reduced through policies aimed at reducing destitution. Health can also be improved by improving the quality of the housing environments of the minority without any racial segregation.
Two is building more health into the delivery of medical care by ensuring access to care for all, emphasizing primary care, eliminating inequalities, and diversifying the healthcare workforce. Lastly, raising awareness of inequalities. The groups involved were the blacks, Native Americans, and native Hawaiians. Statistics showed that the overall suicide rate among blacks increased twice while reducing among whites. It was noted that a school program in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was started to enable marginalized children aged three to four years to receive interventions. As a result, the student who participated in it received high test scores indicating they had an urge to learn compared to those who did not participate in the intervention indicating the approach worked.
The approaches above can reduce prejudice and discrimination in any circumstance, be it a difference in nationality or ethnicity. I would apply the first approach by providing a community of opportunities where everyone will be treated equally. Raising awareness is also key to educating those within the specific context and indicating the severity of punishment for those discriminating against others based on their nationality or ethnicity. For the change, I would introduce the cultural competency techniques approach to prevent barriers such as language barriers from promoting discrimination. It would also promote training which is essential in increasing cultural awareness and knowledge.
References
Williams, D., & Cooper, L. (2019). Reducing racial inequities in health: using what we already know to take action. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(4), 606.