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 women's health, children’s health, 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 annual Migration and Health report series in partnership with UC Berkeley's Health Initiative of the Americas and others.
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.
Because of the Center-conducted California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), researchers have access to one of the few comprehensive sources of data on the health of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. As a result, the Health Disparities Program is spearheading new research and publications on this vulnerable group, with recent studies on aging LGBs, domestic violence, access to health care and more.
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 customized training for and about health issues affecting vulnerable populations.
To learn more about potential partnership opportunities with The Health Disparities Program, please contact us.