Community Clinic Helps Close Disparity

father-and-daughter-wearing-masks — he health disparity in black communities is hard to ignore. Luckily, that has been changing thanks to West Oakland Health’s 50 years of efforts.

With the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus, healthcare disparity between races became impossible to ignore. The numbers for the African American community were staggering. Unfortunately, the coronavirus is not the only illness that hits non-white communities harder. Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are all diseases that affect the black community at disproportionate rates. Access to proper healthcare is critical for prevention, early intervention, and proper treatment. Luckily, West Oakland Health has been providing quality healthcare to the local community for over 50 years that has been closing the health disparity.

Disparity in Numbers

According to the CDC, African Americans are more likely than the non-Hispanic white population to die at an early age. Across the board, they are more likely to suffer from Diabetes, Hypertension, and heart disease. The CDC cites that socioeconomic circumstances might account for the disparity. Having less access to proper healthcare, housing, and nutrition are all factors that lead to more health problems. However, these factors do not explain the gap in its entirety.

Studies released by the National Institute of Health in 2005 indicate that African Americans received lower-quality care besides less access. The study’s findings provided concrete proof that the black communities received subpar healthcare even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions were comparable to their white counterparts.

Community Clinic, you can count on.

Understanding the challenges local communities face, four African American mothers formed the West Oakland Health Council. Today the WOH is proud to offer quality care to all races throughout the local communities. Among the many services offered, WOH provides screening and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Without treatment, all of these diseases can lead to serious complications and death, but with proper treatment, patients can enjoy a happy and healthy life. For more information or questions, contact us today.