Reply:

Healthcare inequalities in the United States promote disparities among marginalized groups. The imbalances also impact individuals’ health outcomes and access to health services and insurance coverage. Changes in health prevalence, incidences, adverse health conditions, disease burden, and mortality rates trigger health disparities. The outbreak of COVID-19 exposed the treatment issues in the health system. The issues instigated the need for introducing reforms in the health sector. Hence, the enforcement of new policies and reforms promotes diversity in the nursing workforce and mitigates inequalities in healthcare systems.

Equity is a crucial factor influencing the well-being of individuals in the community. Policymakers should address social and economic determinants creating health disparities to foster equity in healthcare. Social determinants include financial stability, education, and environmental aspects. The factors have a direct and indirect impact on the health statuses of community members. The working, living, and playing conditions also affect individuals’ health (Jones, 2020). For example, COVID-19 has showcased health differences among racial groups. For instance, African Americans experienced health inequalities due to high poverty levels and limited access to health insurance (Jones, 2020). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “African Americans are twice as likely not to have health insurance” (Jones, 2020). The provision of housing, employment opportunities, and poverty reduction among marginalized communities would promote the provision of healthcare services and reduce inequality in society.

The demand for quality health care is proportional to high population rates globally. As a result, the government should invest in healthcare by increasing the quality of services and the number of care providers in facilities. Diversity in the nursing workforce would also help address health inequalities in society. Nursing administrators, leaders, and educators should accommodate a diverse population by encouraging culturally competent and quality patient care (Mason et al., 2020). For example, minority groups represent 14 percent of nursing faculty members compared to 39 percent of their national population, enhancing cultural diversity in healthcare systems (Mason et al., 2020). As such, the inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities in the nursing workforce would help address shortages and health care inequalities.

The prevailing health reforms will address inequalities in health care systems. However, policymakers should engage lobbyists, for example, American Nurses Association, in nursing organizations. Healthcare policies such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) gained significant progress before 2010 due to other interested groups such as the pharmaceutical and insurance industries (Mason et al., 2020). Lobbyists develop strategies for such groups to present their interests. The nursing bodies are also vital in advocating for national health care and nursing practice policies (Mason et al., 2020). Health care reforms and policies will improve health safety and quality of care. Comprehensive coverage of health insurance would also cater to the needs of the marginalized and minority groups. As a result, the enactment of healthcare reforms is an appropriate approach to addressing healthcare inequality.

The enforcement of new policies and reforms promotes diversity in the nursing workforce and mitigates inequalities in healthcare systems. Fostering economic stability, suitable housing, and affordable care through reforms and effective policies among the marginalized communities would help tackle healthcare inequalities. In addition, increasing diversity in healthcare education and the workforce would help nursing systems address healthcare disparities.

Discussion # 2

The health care disparities in the African American and Hispanic population has been a long standing force that has caused many issues within the nation. The covid-19 outbreak and its disproportionate impact on people from some racial and ethnic groups is a stark example of these enduring health disparities. (Centers for disease control and prevention) [CDC,2022]. The obvious inequalities and discrimination has led to the mistrust of the healthcare system by African Americans and some Hispanic groups. It is my opinion , I feel that this is very sad and unfortunate for patients that have no choice other than to rely on the healthcare system and yet again, are failed. What exactly is being done differently that can cause such a low number in the other race but so high in the African American and Hispanic ethnic group?

    When I first entered the nursing field, I was young and very naïve to the different types of care provided to the different ethnic groups. In a previous class, in textbook, it was stated that African Americans will only go to the doctor if it was warranted. I feel that in certain communities, there should be more attention and dedication put into educating the community. More clinics, free testing for covid, htn, diabetes etc. Bringing awareness to the community, hosting health events, offering prizes and fun things to do in the community will help with getting people to come out and participate. Growing up as an African American myself, natural medication and home remedies is what we usually relied on growing up. Our food and diet varied, and lastly, many of our knowledge or “do’s and do nots’ would come from the matriarch of our family. Usually our grandmother, or eldest woman in the family.

On the contrary, many people feel that they will do whatever it is that they want to do. No one can tell them what to do. I will not say for everyone, but many people that I knew felt that they would never get covid. Many chose to continue to go out, party, not wear mask and etc. In the end, what will result from choosing to be careless. As a nurse, I always try to do my due diligence and educate my patients and there families. Some people get it, and then there are others that don’t and choose not to. At the end of the day, we all can clearly see the gap in between the healthcare system. It is our choice if we choose to learn and do better. Growing up, you have to unlearn many behaviors and ways that you deem as comfortable. If I am told from my healthcare provider that the covid 19 virus is very dangerous and killing people young and old, I will do my very best to protect myself ,my kids, husband and whomever I come into contact with . In life ,we choose our hard. Sometimes regardless of the circumstances we have to do what we feel is best and what we know, but if you aren’t given the opportunity to be better educated necessary tools and better access to a functioning healthcare system how can you be blamed for not knowing. So many factors and things to consider when looking from two different views.