Thanks for using my photograph to illustrate health care disparities in our nation’s capital, @DCPolicyCenter.
In addition to having proportionally greater health care need than white residents, Black and Latinx populations likely have a larger gap between need and demand. On top of elevated anticipated need based on the age distribution, barriers such as language, culture, education, and cost (considered when calculating health care demand), are likely to be higher for Black and Latinx populations. Data on health care need and demand by race and ethnicity should be collected and made publicly available to determine the disparity in the District with specificity.
The photograph itself was not taken in a health care institution as part of a daily photo challenge meant to illustrate “patience” – it was taken at the Washington, DC public library (Watha T. Daniel [Shaw] Branch) (@dcpl) which has continued to provide essential services, safely, during the COVID-19 pandemic. For people who love the library (like me), I am grateful.
By the way, it’s useful to understand the history of the library in the context of African American history:
- History of the Watha T. Daniel (Shaw) Library
- Biography of Watha T. Daniel, a master plumber, the first African-American appointed to the DC Plumbing Board, and the chairman of the DC Model Cities Commission, an urban renewal program, between 1968 and 1972 – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watha_T._Daniel
Enjoy the photograph and the detailed analysis by DC Policy Center.
Inequalities in health care need and demand across the District – D.C. Policy Center
Source: Inequalities in health care need and demand across the District – D.C. Policy Center