Bethesda, MD -- In terms of both health and health care, America
is an unequal nation. There are well-documented differences in
health between whites and racial and ethnic minorities--for
example, in life expectancy. There are also demonstrable
differences in health care provided to people of different races
and ethnicities--for example, in screening rates for cancers.
Despite these gaps, awareness of racial and ethnic health
disparities remains low among the general public, including
racial and ethnic minorities, according to an article in the
October 2011 issue of Health Affairs. This thematic issue of the
journal, Agenda For Fighting Disparities, examines the state of
health and health care disparities in the nation and examines
steps that show promise in closing the gaps. This month's issue
was produced with a grant from the Aetna Foundation. Extent of
the Problem Roughly 6 in 10 (59 percent) of Americans say they
are aware of overall racial and ethnic disparities in health, up
from 55 percent a decade ea