RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has published its 2024 Health Disparities Analysis Report, which aims to cover the effects of health disparities on health outcomes across the state and show opportunities for improvement.
“Every North Carolinian should have the opportunity to live a healthy life, but a health system that fails some, fails us all,” said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “While Medicaid expansion and recent investments in behavioral health are critical pieces of this work, we must be intentional in uncovering and addressing the health gaps that exist for different communities.”
The report explains how several groups are most affected by health disparities: youth, justice-involved populations, people experiencing housing insecurity, African American/Black, American Indian, Hispanic/Latinx and Asian populations, rural communities, active military and veterans, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Recommended strategies to address disparities include establishing peer support programs, addressing barriers to mental health care, educating people about and increasing availability of naloxone, implementing restorative justice programming and more. You can view the full section about strategies for community organizations, faith-based groups, health care professionals, advocates, business and more below.
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