Overview
The Center's Health Disparities Program is a resource for policymakers, planners, advocates, researchers and the media in understanding the unique health concerns of populations challenged by gaps in health and health care quality along racial, ethnic or socio-economic lines. The Program is particularly noted for its in-depth analysis, research and technical assistance on the health issues and concerns of:
In addition, the Program conducts specific research, often in collaboration with other programs within the Center, on children’s health issues, low-income groups, urban and rural populations as well as persons with disabilities.
Program staff contribute to a number of omnibus reports essential to understanding the broad health concerns of Health Disparities, including the Center's Women's Health in California, Trends in the Health of Older Californians, as well as a series of reports and fact sheets on migration and health produced collaboratively by the Center, the National Population Council and the Government of Mexico.
The Health Disparities Program is also noted for its contribution to specific policy initiatives such as the Elder Economic Security Standard Index for California, a tool that measures the actual cost of basic necessities for older adults in each of California's 58 counties. The Elder Index is viewed by many as a more accurate measure of economic security than federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines, a standardized national estimate that does not take into account the cost of living in high-cost states.
The Health Disparities Program statistical expertise has been used to analyze the impact of the undocumented immigrant population on health care systems and services. It has also been an essential component of analyses of disparities between counties in hospital use for chronic conditions.
Additionally, Program staff provide evaluation expertise, technical assistance and (in the case of American Indians and Alaska Natives) customized training for tribal and elder groups.
To learn more about potential partnership opportunities with The Health Disparities Program, please contact us.