Challenges and Solutions Essay
Introduction

The problem of racial disparities in health care is an issue in global health that needs to be addressed (Wheeler & Bryant, 2017). One of the reasons it is only superficially discussed, however, is that the legacy of maltreatment of the black population at the hands of health care professionals is one that has yet to receive its long overdue attention (Freimuth et al., 2001). Barriers to care in poor communities persist largely because of the socio-political and economic influences that keep these communities poor in the first place (Saraceno et al., 2007). Solutions to these barriers may be forthcoming in limited ways, but for the most part, the issues remain. Two programs working to establish equity in health care are The Society for Diversity in the Biomedical Sciences and the Racial Equity Resource Guide. This paper will describe these two programs; discuss their target populations, location, purpose, and objectives; and describe the features of the programs that aim to improve health. It will also evaluate the programs in terms of (1) effectiveness, (2) acceptability, and (3) sustainability. Finally, it will make recommendations for how each program can improve.

The Society for Diversity in the Biomedical Sciences

Description

The Society for Diversity in the Biomedical Sciences focuses on the target population of African Americans, American Indians, and Latinos, with the purpose being to increase their representation in the sciences related to health and the environment. It is based in Houston, TX, and the features of the program that aim to improve health include the possibility of networking with other professionals in the field, the provision of mentors to support education and training, career development resources, research opportunities, and partnerships in the biomedical sciences. Internships, workshops, and news updates are all made available to members of the program.

Evaluation

In terms of effectiveness, it is unclear to what extent the program has had any success. It is relatively new, having just been established in 2016. Its social media is not up to date; its Facebook page has not had a new posting since 2017. Its LinkedIn activity is even older. None of this suggests that much activity or progress has been made by the program. There is no documentation of success in terms of achieving any of the stated goals put forward in its mission statement.

In terms of acceptability, the program’s approach may be appropriate in theory, but in practical terms, it is not a great approach because of some of the problems of simply reaching the target population in the first place. These problems are even identified by the program on its own webpage, yet the program does not offer much in the way of understanding about how to address the challenges. For instance, some of the problems causing low numbers or underrepresentation of minorities in the biomedical sciences field include: little to no access to teachers or mentors, poor basic skills as a result of inadequate education and training in primary and secondary schooling, lack of family or community support for this type of progress, low high school completion rates, poor college retention rates, lack of knowledge or interest in STEM careers, fear of student loan debt, priorities determined by more pressing matters such as employment and obtaining necessary resources for daily life. The program does not explain how it is helping to address these challenges but rather only points them out and then notes that it is offering a summer symposium for interested learners. But what good is such a symposium going to be if the target population is faced with the barriers described above? Therefore, it is safe to say that the program is not using very effective means of addressing the problem at the root level but rather only providing opportunities for those of the target population who have already managed to get moving in the right direction. Thus, more could be done to address this matter.

In terms of sustainability, it does not appear that the program has long-term viability; although there is no data available on its financial state, the program is made up of loosely-knit individuals who either volunteer their time...…racial inequity is not going to be solved simply by passing out reading materials. It is something that is going to need active teachers and educators imparting their understanding to others—whether they are students in secondary education or in colleges; workers in an organization; or members of a community. As Farmer (2005) shows, the pathologies of power have to be addressed in a proactive manner, and that means facing them directly and in truth. Barriers to raising awareness can come in many forms, as Saraceno (2007) notes. The problem, however, is that these forms can be within the structures and systems of society itself. Therefore, overcoming them and increasing knowledge of the problem of racial inequity can be a bit more challenging than simply handing out materials and inviting speakers to give a conference on a topic.

What the program should do is to work with legislators to promote a bill that would require the Department of Education to ensure that public schools teach about racial inequity. Starting with the young population is the way to guarantee that the future community has this information ingrained in them and that they will take steps to address the issues once they inherent the reins of power. The other recommendation is that the program create leaders who can engage in activism within communities and collaborate with leaders, organizations, churches, businesses, schools, and so on, to promote the information that the program provides. In doing so the various ideas and resources made available through the Guide will be spread far and wide and distributed across the board instead of to one specific sector: the wider the seed or net is scattered, the more likely the program is to reap the bounty.

These steps will help to make the program more effective in terms of reaching a wider audience and increasing knowledge on the subject. That in turn can promote increases in things like access to care, access to education, and access to opportunity for marginalize or underserved populations. Increasing health is the ultimate goal and that depends upon increasing awareness.