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African-American Health Disparities

African American/Black Health Disparities

The African American/Black population experiences significant disparities with chronic conditions, access to care, and more

African Americans/Blacks represent approximately 13.4% of the United States population.1 The U.S. Census Bureau defines the terms “African American or Black” as any person who “has origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.”

Although the African American/Black population has a long history in the United States, this population remains diverse due to the various locations of historic origin. Approximately 10% of the African American/Black population in the United States is foreign-born, immigrants of African descent, who migrated from countries such as the Caribbean and Latin America.2

African American/Black Disparities

As a group, the African-American or Black population experiences significant disparities with:

  • Chronic conditions
  • Access to care
  • Preventive screenings
  • Mental health

Download the White Paper [PDF]

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Resources for African American/Blacks with Diabetes

The videos and modules below help raise awareness of health inequities. They provide population facts, cultural insights, and potential solutions so that health care providers, clinicians, and customers can take action to close African American/Black health disparities.

Diabetes Prevention and Management

Diabetes can be a lot to manage. This video helps our African American/Black customers with diabetes make informed choices to best manage their disease.

See Me for Who I Am, Not for What I Have

The support of providers is critical for customers when managing their diabetes. This video will help promote strategies in your practice to empower African American/Black customers to better manage their diabetes and health.

Modules to Guide Diabetes Management

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Module 1: An Overview

Cultures, spirituality, and beliefs of this population around health, illness, and treatment.

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Module 2: Three Case Studies

Case studies to help create inclusive conversations regarding inequities.

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Module 3: Patient Guide

Tips to help patients make the most of doctor appointments, stress management, and more.

1State and County QuickFacts, U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/RHI225217#viewtop

2Key facts about black immigrants in the U.S, PEW Research Center Fact Tank, January 2018 

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/01/24/key-facts-about-black-immigrants-in-the-u-s/