Expressing Concern for the Disparate Health Care Treatment Afforded to African Americans

WHEREAS, the United States Congress authorized the study of disparities in the health care treatment system; and

WHEREAS, a study was undertaken by the National Institute of Medicines that found that minorities were receiving substandard health care in comparison the comparable white citizens; and

WHEREAS, these disparities existed regardless of income or insurance coverage; and

WHEREAS, the overwhelming evidence suggested by the study demonstrated that African-Americans received substandard health care; and

WHEREAS, this substandard health care has led to higher death rates for African Americans in the categories of HIV/AIDS, cancer and heart disease; and

WHEREAS, the study concluded that bias and stereotyping contributed to racial and ethnic disparities in the health care system; and

WHEREAS, minorities are more likely to receive less desirable surgical procedures, such as amputations at a rate up to 3.6 times greater than their white Medicare peers; and

WHEREAS, patient education and more racial and ethnic minority health care professionals will serve to ameliorate systematic disparities in the health care industry; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all local NAACP units collaborate with local medical care centers and treatment facilities to develop patient education programs and to promote enhanced recruitment and retention of African American health care providers; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP re-affirms its 2002 resolution "Equity in Health Care & Safety" at its 2003 Convention in Miami, Florida.