The state must address health care disparities in cities like Gary – Chicago Tribune

In response to recent roundtable discussions with legislators and local providers about the health crisis in Gary hosted by Senator Eddie Melton (Dee Gary), Representative Vernon J. Smith (D. Gary) on the desert healthy community and urges the state to address harmful systemic disparities.

I recently attended a roundtable hosted by Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Eddie Melton, D-Gary, with health care providers and stakeholders in Lake County to discuss the state of health care in Gary. This was the first time in the recent past that Gary’s sponsors had come together to discuss the health of our community. The response from the health care providers present, as well as state lawmakers such as Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D. Gary, has been compelling and I also want to thank them for showing their support for Gary. This initiative is sorely needed to bring local leaders, legislators and service providers together to craft a plan forward in advancing Gary’s health.

By highlighting the inconsistencies in health care within the community, Melton paves the way for a future in which fair health is within everyone’s reach. Our collective actions remind me of a certain passage in Habakkuk’s book: In order to create a future in which everyone can enjoy a true quality of life, we, as legislators and leaders, must “Write the vision and make it clear on tablets so that whoever reads it can run around(Habakkuk 2:2). We started the conversation but there is a lot of work to be done.

Being black in America is bad for your health.

Living in Hoosier in Gary is detrimental to your health.

These statements have only become truer as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the long-standing inequalities in healthcare facing people of color from disadvantaged communities disproportionately. Many factors, including access to pharmacies, food deserts, mental health care, and even public transportation, can determine whether someone lives or dies, or whether someone lives or just thrives. Gary has all of these problems, including a harsh health desert. All of these issues can and should be addressed through training in cultural competence, and increased empathy and respect for those of different colors and beliefs.

However, none of this can be done or have a tangible impact until state leaders put resources and policy proposals behind addressing these inequalities.

In Gary, there are only five practicing pediatricians.

Let me make it clear – in a city of over 75,000 people, there are only five pediatricians.

This is a very disturbing fact for all families and children who have to live with it. On the other hand, Noblesville (with a population size similar to Gary) has about 125 pediatricians. This large and deadly discrepancy must be addressed as quickly as possible, especially given that Indiana’s infant mortality rate is 20 percent higher than the national average.

It is a well-known fact that the better health care a child receives early in life, the healthier their outcome will be as an adult. Furthermore, the African American population in Indiana already faces disproportionate rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and reduced life expectancy. The sooner we get our kids on the path to a healthy life, the better.

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The shortage of pediatricians is not the only problem facing our society. There are elderly and low-income residents who need care through increased Medicare and Medicaid funding. There is an urgent need for more investment in mobile crisis mental health units. There are high pollution rates that exacerbate health problems such as asthma, gaps in access to safe and reliable transportation that would allow patients to travel for care, and even inadequate pharmacies. In fact, I’ve heard rumors of a local pharmacy with more alcohol than medicine. This is sad and insulting to everyone. Each of these concerns is systematically linked to the other, acting as barriers that prevent Gary’s people of color, the elderly, and low-income people from leading a dignified and healthy life.

Systemic differences require systemic changes, including government funding, adequate health funding, local partnerships, effective policies, and increased research.

While these issues may seem like overstated statements, time and time again data-based research has proven them to be true. Gary’s healthcare situation is complex and refreshing, but hope is not entirely lost. As Senator Milton mentioned, the roundtable discussion was a great start at the beginning of addressing and understanding the health challenges our community faces.

In my 32 years in the legislature, I have promoted a platform for health care, employment, education and tackling all the other inequalities that Hoosiers face. I will continue to work tirelessly to advance our health needs and concerns before the Indiana General Assembly. Our state has a surplus of over $6.1 billion. There is no reason why we can’t use even just a portion of that money to invest in the large number of healthcare needs that the Gary community faces.

In conclusion, I would like to mention that no matter how much money you have or what your social status is, if you do not have health, you will not have a quality of life. Doctors – I ask you to stop being afraid of our society. Legislators – I ask you to stop ignoring the needs of our people. Pay attention to Senator Milton’s actions and the overwhelming response of providers, and join us in working to end these discrepancies in medical care.

Equality in health care is equality in life.

Vernon J. Smith is the Indiana state representative for parts of Gary and Merrillville.

from San Jose News Bulletin https://sjnewsbulletin.com/the-state-must-address-health-care-disparities-in-cities-like-gary-chicago-tribune/