Although there has been an improved focus on preventative care
in the United States, not all Americans have seen the benefits.
The level of medical care an individual receives has been shown
to be related to economic status, education, race and gender.
Immunizations rates for children are high, even among minority
groups, but disparities in immunization rates are still a
problem for the adult minority populations. Closing the Gap
Health disparities are important to the entire U.S. population,
as minority groups are expected to increase in proportion to the
whole population. Improving the health of the minority
populations will ultimately affect the future of America’s
overall health. On June 8, 2000, the state of Florida signed the
Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities "Closing the Gap"
grant program into law. These grants are used to support the
growth of community-based organizations and help with improving
healthcare and disease prevention for racial and ethnic
populations Resources in Hillsborough