Reducing Health Disparities Despite improvements in overall health, minority populations in the United States continue to experience higher rates and severity of illness and death. There is also a growing disparity in life expectancy between people with higher and lower income, and between people with more or less education. Although fair and equal access to medical services for individuals is an essential part of a vital approach to community health, it is not enough to address pervasive health and social problems. Any reduction in the incidence of disease requires proactive primary prevention efforts with large groups of people, especially populations at risk for disparities in health care.

To learn more about advances in reducing disparities in health care go to:

http://www.altfutures.com/draproject/

If you would like to participate in a web-based training series for public health practitioners and advocates interested in policy advocacy and community change to achieve health equity go to:

http://www.preventioninstitute.org/tools/focus-area-tools/health-equity-toolkit.htm

In southern Vermont, HeartSong Health In Community strives to reduce disparities in health care in the following ways:

• Oversight of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit naturopathic out-patient medical clinic in Vermont.
• Primary care services for all health insurers that recognize naturopaths, including Medicaid.
• Service discounts based on federal poverty guidelines
• Self-care education through a variety of different methods: one-on-one appointments, community education programs, online resources.
• Collaborative relationships with other health care providers in the community to coordinate care more effectively.
• Advocacy to optimize insurance coverage for equitable coverage for groups at risk for disparities in health care.
• Website with resources for online learning about natural medicine and therapeutic lifestyles to promote individual and community well-being.
• Health care from a distance (telemedicine) for people who cannot travel to southern Vermont.
• Home visits for people who cannot leave their homes.
• Special projects to reach out to people to make sure that they receive the care that they need.
• Education regarding informed consent, health care systems, medical policies, and medical specialists.
• Advanced Primary Care Practice certification (in progress) to ensure extra behavioral and mental health support for those in need through the Community Health Teams of the Vermont Blueprint for Health.