The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69971

Rosebud Foster, EdD¹, Melvin Herring, MS², and Betty L. Smith, MEd². (1) Area Health Education Center, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Drive, Suite 1588, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, (954) 262-1588, rosebud@nova.edu, (2) Office of Equal Opportunity and Minority Health, Florida Department of Health, A 152 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A00, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1701

Racial and ethnic groups in Florida continue to experience major disparities in health status and largely bear a disproportionate burden of mortality and morbiditiy across a wide range of preventable health conditions. The health disparities for which these vulnerable populations are most impacted further impose numerous barriers such as insurance, transportation, accessibility and availability of health services. Florida has initiated the Patient Protect Act Designated to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Closing the Gap Program, directed toward community-based initiatives and "best practices" models related to each of six health areas: Maternal and Infant Mortality, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Immunizations of Adults and Children. In addressing issues of health disparities in Florida, the Closing the Gap Program focuses on a preventive health care approach for minorities along with monitoring of progress by regularly measuring preventive care indicators, implementing a Capacity-Building method for ensuring project sustainability and an outcome evaluation model. Techniques utilized include the assessment and analysis of State vital statistics for each of the six disparities to determine the most effective use of data to effect a reduction by county and region in disease statistics, and recommend priority support for impacted communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the model and accompanying recommendations for application in defined communities.
• Identify impediments to health care access across minority populations.
• Describe how to assess the "Best Practices" or "Models that Work" from Phase 1 of the project relative to replicability, effectiveness and efficiency.

Keywords: Access and Services, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Chair Closing the Gap Statewide Task Force