Washington, DC -

As part of Black History Month Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) authored the following column:
 
As we continue to celebrate and honor the many cultural, educational and civic contributions of African-Americans during Black History Month, it is just as important to look to where we need to go.  We have taken strides in building a nation that that is committed to providing equal opportunity for all.  Civil rights victories won in the 1960s, often in the political arena, continue to be fought for now in our judicial system.  But nearly as important, and which often goes unnoticed, is the great divide in the field of health care that exists between African-Americans and the general American population. 

Racial and ethnic minorities too often are denied the high-quality health care that others take for granted.  Minority groups are less likely to have health insurance and are less likely to receive appropriate health care services.  And the consequences are devastating.

• In 1999, African-Americans were 30 percent more likely to die of cancer than Whites.
• African-Americans are twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites and more likely to experience complications. Eye disease is 40 to 50 percent more common; Kidney failure is about 4 times more common; and amputations of lower extremities are also more common in African-Americans.
• In 2000, 47 percent of all cases reported in the U.S. were among African-Americans, and the rate of new AIDS cases among African-Americans was almost 10 times higher than among non- Hispanic whites.
• One out of four African American children aged 19-35 months old did not receive recommended vaccinations in 1999.
• African-Americans were 40 percent more likely to die of stroke than whites in 1999, when differences in age distributions were taken into account.
  

While the federal government has recognized he4alth disparities as a serious problem and has set the goal of eliminating health disparities by the end of the decade, the President has proposed taking a step in the wrong direction.  In this year's budget, the President has proposed cutting funding for the Office of Minority Health by 15 percent.  I will fight not only to prevent such cuts but also to increase support for this important Office. 

As a cosponsor and strong supporter, the Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act, I believe much more needs to be done to close the gap that exists in our health care system and make this national goal a reality. The "Healthcare Equality and Accountability Act of 2003" would go far in lifting the shadow of health disparities that fall on minority communities. This sweeping legislation would effectively close the health care divide that affects minority communities.

It would make quality health care more affordable, providing coverage for parents and young adults who are currently uninsured. The bill would provide more money for research on the complexities of race and disease.  And it would allow us to start consistently and effectively measure the health of our communities - because without the data to check our health status, how can we hope to improve it? 

I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in getting this important legislation passed. If we really want to honor Black History Month, we should give African-American something really to celebrate, improved health care. 

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