AMNews: July 13, 2009. HHS: Reducing disparities should be part of health reform ... American Medical News

Low-income Americans and members of racial and ethnic minority groups continue to experience disproportionately higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options and reduced access to care, according to a report released June 9 by the Dept. of Health and Human Services. According to the report, 48% of African-American adults have a chronic disease compared with 39% of the general population. Eight percent of white Americans develop diabetes, while 15% of African-Americans and 14% of Hispanics develop the disease. Hispanics were a third less likely than whites to receive counseling on obesity, and African-Americans were 15% more likely to be obese than whites. AMNews: July 13, 2009. HHS: Reducing disparities should be part of health reform ... American Medical News