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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Regine J. Joly, RN, BS and Yvonne Fray-Clarke, BS. Graduate Medical Science, Barry University, 11300 NE 2ND Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695, 305-772-2543, regine99@bellsouth.net

“Race and ethnicity have been seen to profoundly affect the health of the United States” (Schneider, 2000 pg 205) and Miami, Florida is no exception. Miami-Dade County, Florida, is a very culturally diverse city, because of the influx of immigrants. Not all blacks such as Jamaicans, Haitians, and Bahamians are African Americans but they share the same barriers and disparities to healthcare access due to genetic risk factors in hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Further analysis will reveal similarities in healthcare inequality due to their dark pigmentation, acculturation and assimilation. Therefore, when we speak of “African Americans” blacks from the Caribbean are part of the ethnic and racial mix and they must also be recognized.

For African Americans living in Miami-Dade County, treatment for hypertension diabetes, and health prevention services are often hard to obtain. Based on research analysis and evaluation of literature reviews, lack of insurance coverage, inadequate education¸ transportation, socioeconomic status, and cultural barriers are the major deterrents and contributors of this “minority groups” barriers to adequate healthcare services.

Eliminating disparities will have to require improved efforts in preventions, promotions and access to appropriate health care services and delivery for all. “Whether social class is measured by income, education, employment grade, or prestige, it determines the recourses that are available to meet life's challenges and thereby influences the control that one has in shaping life” (Healthy People p. 341). This paper will identify the unique health disparities and provide solutions to Miami-Dade County's diverse black population.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the barriers and disparities to healthcare access due to genetic risk factors in hypertension,diabetes,and obesity in the black community in Miami-Dade County. 2.Analyze the culture barriers and differences within the diverse black community in Miami-Dade county which is compose of not only African-Americans, but a large Caribbean black population.
• Create a plan that will promote prevention, promotion, and access to appropriate health care services for all.

Keywords: Gay, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 297.0 kb)