Black Americans face discrimination in US health care system: Expert

ISTANBUL

Ongoing race-based discrimination against Black Americans in various fields in the US is also seen in the health care system.

Black Americans and the poor consistently receive lower-quality care which affects their health outcomes, Charles Ellis Jr., a professor at the faculty of public health and health professions at the University of Florida, told Anadolu.

"Most significant chronic diseases are two -three times more common in Black Americans compared to whites. Examples of these diseases include stroke, heart attack, and most recently, COVID-19 cases," said Ellis.

Ellis, who researches the background of discrimination in health services and its effects on Blacks, drew attention to the exposure of African Americans to racism in health care services throughout history.

"Procedures known to have the best outcomes are not offered to African Americans. Some Black people prefer not to access health care services based on the experiences of their families and acquaintances," he said.

"Many black people choose to remain silent because they fear advocating for themselves will be interpreted as complaining, and they worry that angered workers will not do what is best for the patient in a sensitive matter like health," he added.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz