April has been designated National Minority Health Awareness Month. As a board-certified family physician of 30 years, with a master’s degree in public health, who was born in Jamaica and has lived in South Florida over 45 years, the state of minority health in America continues to cause me concern about Minority Health Disparities in America
In South Florida, over 44% of the population may be classified as minority. Current statistics on minorities’ health continues to be alarming. According to data from many sources tracking minority health in America, Black people are more likely to die from preventable conditions before the age of 75. Chronic diseases such as heart disease and hypertension are higher among minorities. In addition, over 30% of deaths related to these diseases occur in the minority population.
Maternal and infant health also reflects the need for continued awareness and intervention. Black women are three to four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complications, and Black infants are 2.4 times more likely to die at birth.
These alarming statistics support the need for continued intervention and expedient action. The most severe pandemic of this century, COVID-19, resulted in a continued disparity as minorities represented up to two times higher death rates from the virus. In addition, HIV and AIDS among Black Americans still represent 42% of new diagnoses.
But the need for health awareness is not limited to physical conditions. Mental health care and services are still significantly limited and inconsistent.
Bringing awareness goes beyond looking at alarming statistics. We must also look at solving the disparity in healthcare that has resulted in these statistics. There have been well established identifiable reasons that have contributed to this alarming data: Minority populations have significantly less access to healthy foods, higher air and water pollution, and are more likely to be uninsured. Being uninsured directly affects access to medical care and attention. The ultimate result is delay in care, increased cost and, for many, death.
What are the solutions to reversing and correcting the disparity? It begins by first recognizing the problem, looking at the issues at hand and informing the affected communities. Second, we must provide important information to healthcare access and services. Health education must be culturally sensitive and appropriate. The well-known lack of trust by minorities in the healthcare system must be restored through inclusion and transparency in testing and treatment options.
As a councilwoman for Miami Gardens and a medical physician, it has been my lifelong mission to reduce disparities in minority populations. The addition of parks, bike trails, pools and playing fields throughout minority communities is important to encourage movement and exercise, which can reduce obesity and improve heart health. I am proud to say that Miami Gardens is actively doing its part to improve the health of its residents by providing these resources. Since joining the city council, I have also implemented a monthly live podcast addressing health issues and practical tips to improve health for .
I encourage more roundtable discussions on health in our homes and communities. The community must become active participants in designing a healthy community for themselves and the future generation. Let us all become part of the solution for Minority Health Disparities in America.
Dr. Michelle C. Powell is a City of Miami Gardens councilwoman since 2024 and a board certified family medical physician of nearly 30 years.
