BUS FPX 4128 Assessment 3 Fundamental Cultural Competency Concepts

BUS FPX 4128 Assessment 3 Fundamental Cultural Competency Concepts

Student Name

Capella University

BUS-FPX4128 Cultural Competence in Health Care

Prof. Name:

Date

Health, Health Care Disparities, and Social Determinants of Health

Health is a comprehensive concept that extends beyond the mere absence of illness, encompassing overall physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a state of complete harmony between the body and mind. On the other hand, health disparities are the significant differences in health outcomes that negatively affect specific groups, particularly those facing social, economic, or environmental disadvantages. These disparities often reflect systemic inequalities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. Social determinants of health are the underlying social and economic conditions that contribute to these disparities, which include factors such as the physical and social environments, availability of health services, and structural elements of society that perpetuate inequity.

Health Disparities in the Bronx, NY

In the Bronx, particularly in neighborhoods such as Hunts Point and Longwood, the prevalence of health disparities is evident, with approximately 43% of residents living below the Federal Poverty Level. These socioeconomic conditions contribute to poor health outcomes, such as alarmingly high rates of diabetes, with certain areas like Mott Haven and Melrose experiencing rates as much as 14 times higher than the city’s average. Additional health concerns include high asthma hospitalization rates in children, elevated infant mortality rates, and increased diagnoses of HIV. Research conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute ranked Bronx County last in health outcomes, as well as in social and economic factors, out of 62 counties in New York State.

Community Efforts

In response to these health disparities, various community organizations are working to mitigate the effects of these challenges and promote health equity. Bronx Health REACH, for instance, focuses on promoting nutrition and fitness through education and outreach. This initiative involves a broad coalition of stakeholders, including local residents, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and legislators, all working together to advocate for health equity. Similarly, the Campaign for a Healthy Bronx is addressing critical socioeconomic factors like high school graduation rates and unemployment while also striving to improve access to healthcare services, which continue to be a significant barrier for many residents in the Bronx.

Websites for Outreach Support

Several websites provide valuable resources and support for ongoing health initiatives in the Bronx:

• Bronx Health REACH
• Health Disparities and Environmental Justice in the Bronx
• NIH Grant on Health Disparities
• Bronx Health Link
• NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln
• Health Affairs Article on Health Disparities
• Promoting Health Equity in the Bronx

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Definitions. https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/socialdeterminants/definitions.html

Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-of-health

BUS FPX 4128 Assessment 3 Fundamental Cultural Competency Concepts The Institute. (n.d.). https://www.institute.org/bronx-health-reach/about/

BUS FPX 4128 Assessment 3 Fundamental Cultural Competency Concepts

BUILD Health Challenge. (2017). Promoting Health Equity in the Bronx. https://buildhealthchallenge.org/news/promoting-health-equity-in-the-bronx/