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How does systemic racism manifest in healthcare systems?

Brandie MacCartair

Well, there are a number of ways in which systemic racism can manifest in healthcare systems. One of the most obvious ways is through unequal access to care. In many communities, people of color are more likely to live in areas with limited healthcare resources and may have difficulty finding doctors who are willing to see them or who understand their specific health concerns.

In addition, systemic racism can lead to disparities in the quality of care that people of color receive. For example, studies have shown that black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, even after controlling for factors such as income and education. This suggests that there are deeper issues at play, such as bias within the healthcare system or unequal access to resources.

Another way in which systemic racism can impact healthcare is through the impact of social determinants of health. These are factors such as poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and exposure to pollution, which can all contribute to poor health outcomes. People of color are often disproportionately affected by these social determinants, which can lead to a wide range of health problems.

Finally, systemic racism can also impact the way that healthcare is delivered. For example, there have been cases of healthcare providers treating patients of color differently than white patients, either intentionally or unintentionally. This can lead to poor health outcomes, as patients may not receive the same level of care or attention as their white counterparts.

Overall, there are a number of ways in which systemic racism can manifest in healthcare systems, and these issues are deeply rooted in our society. In order to address these issues, we need to work to dismantle systemic racism at every level, from healthcare policies to individual attitudes and behaviors. Only through sustained effort and a commitment to positive change can we hope to create a healthcare system that is truly equitable and just for all.