OMHDisparitiesPage


	Eliminating Health Disparities


ETHNICITY			BRIEF DESCRIPTION ...
	African American		African Americans are the second largest racial group in North Carolina. The health status of the Black population in North Carolina has been improving in some areas, however research shows a widening gap between African American and White Americans in illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, major infectious diseases and several forms of cancer. African Americans often receive less, and poorer quality health care than White Americans, so they tend to become sicker and die earlier than Whites.
	American Indians		North Carolina has the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi and the fifth-largest American Indian population in the nation, according to the 1990 Census. While American Indians in North Carolina are experiencing higher rates of disease and death, in general, than Whites, many of the risk factors are modifiable. Changing lifestyle and behaviors and increasing access to health services can reduce the severity of, and potentially prevent, some major diseases and conditions.
	Hispanics / Latinos		North Carolina has experienced rapid growth in its Latino population during the past ten years. In 1998, survey estimated the Latino population to be 315,001. Latinos are disproportionately affected by certain health problems. Latinos also face numerous barriers in accessing and using health care services. Poverty has been identified as a major barrier to receiving appropriate health care.
	Asian / Pacific Islanders(TBD)
	Note: The "Call To Action" plan is 157 pages. To download this document in sections visit the Publications Page		Eliminating Health Disparities: Call To Action	Health Disparities Report Card 2003	Health Disparities Racial and Ethnic Disparities in NC - Report Card 2006

Last Modified: Monday, April 21, 2008