Advocates march on Albany to fight for health equality

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

Health advocates and Bronx residents will march on the state capital next week, demanding an end to racial disparity in healthcare.

With their slogan, “Reach for Health Equality,” organizers from Bronx Health Reach will lobby legislators in Albany on March 23, to look into and help put an end to inequality.

“We’ve identified a lot of issues we cannot fix on the local level,” said Maxine Golub, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development at The Institute for Urban Family Health, Bronx Health Reach’s parent agency. “It’s time to bring the issue to a broader range of officials to not just fix things here but throughout the state, and perhaps the country.”

Various reports, like the one released by the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, show how people of color—usually those living in poverty—are more likely to suffer and die from a disease than their white counterparts.

Citing the same Department of Health report, Bronx Health Reach found, in comparison to the rest of New York City, Diabetics in Highbridge are twice as likely to die from the disease.

“Many times people look at these findings and say it’s an issue of insurance, not race,” said Dr. Neil Calman, president and C.E.O. of the Institute for Urban Family Health.

“We have two completely different systems of care,” Dr. Calman continued. He explained how those with private insurance, i.e. Aetna and G.H.I, tend to be white. While those on public insurance, Medicaid or Child Health Plus, or with no insurance at all — A study by Bronx Heath Reach shows almost 30 percent of Hispanics in the city are uninsured — tend to be of color.

“When you base healthcare on insurance,” Dr. Calman said, “especially the way it’s setup now, then you have de-facto racism and it has to stop.”

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr. agrees. “This is a fundamental rights issue. We’re asking for a commitment by the legislators.”

Magdalena Torres, Bronx Health Reach advocate and Diabetic, says she has experienced forms of medical inequality. “I used to think I was alone in dealing with uncaring doctors. I’m not. It’s like an epidemic and now, we’re presenting the cure.”

Everyone involved is optimistic about the March 23 rally and meeting with legislators.

“I hope the elected officials will really listen to us,” Ms. Torres said. “Not pay lip service and forget about us as soon as we walk out the door.”

Understanding the complexities in dealing with any type of legislation Mr. Carrion said he is prepared for the long haul. “It’s not about taking the easy path, it’s going to be hard. I’m prepared to walk with you. We need equal and affordable healthcare.”

Space is still available If you are interested in attending the rally in Albany on March 23 or to learn more about Bronx Health Reach, contact your local advocates, Magdalena Torres and Ana Vargas at 718-293-4352 or call the Institute at 212-633-8000.