Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Hispanics lag in health, clinics step in

The Tennessean reports that Hispanics and other minorities suffer from various health problems to a greater extent than Caucasians, even when income and education are taken into account.

"Hispanics are twice as likely as Caucasians to develop diabetes and suffer complications such as blindness and amputations."

"Hispanics make up 14% [of the] nation's population, but account for 18% of new HIV cases."

"A study by the nonpartisan Center for Studying Health System Change found that almost one in three Hispanics and one in five blacks lack health insurance, compared to about one in 10 Caucasians."

"Clinics that offer care on a sliding scale to people without insurance aim to fill the gap, and are scattered throughout Nashville. ... At the Saint Thomas Health Center South off Harding Road, which offers care on a sliding-fee scale, 90% of the patients are Hispanic. The entire staff is bilingual, and many are from Spanish-speaking countries."

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