• This article examines the current racial disparities in health care in the United States.
• It focuses on the differences in access to health care services and outcomes between Black and White populations.
• It also looks at ways to reduce these racial disparities and promote health equity.

The health care system in the United States has long been plagued by racial disparities. Despite advances in medical technology and access to care, Black populations continue to face disparities in access to care and health outcomes. This article examines the current racial disparities in health care in the United States and how these disparities affect health outcomes.

The disparities between Black and White populations in terms of access to health care services and health outcomes are stark. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that Black Americans are more likely to lack health insurance than their White counterparts. Additionally, Black Americans are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, such as higher rates of death from cancer or heart disease.

The causes of these disparities are complex and multifaceted. They include structural racism, disparities in income and education, and entrenched health care system biases. Structural racism is a system of laws, policies, practices, and attitudes that create and maintain racial inequality and segregation. This includes policies such as redlining, which limits access to housing and other services in certain areas, and employment discrimination. These policies have resulted in systemic disparities in income and education levels, which can affect access to health care services. Additionally, entrenched health care system biases, such as implicit bias, can lead to disparities in care and outcomes.

Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that can be used to reduce racial disparities in health care and promote health equity. These include increasing access to health care services by expanding Medicaid and increasing funding for community health centers, implementing cultural competency training for health care providers, and addressing implicit bias in the health care system. Additionally, increasing investments in community-based programs that address social determinants of health, such as housing and food security, can help address the root causes of health disparities.

Overall, addressing racial disparities in health care is an important step towards achieving health equity. By increasing access to health care services, implementing cultural competency training, and addressing implicit bias, health care providers and policymakers can work together to reduce these disparities and promote health equity.