National Minority Health Month - Be the Source for Better Health
Since 2002, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) has annually celebrated National Minority Health Month in April. This initiative traces its roots back to 1915 with the establishment of National Negro Health Week by T. Washington, marking a longstanding commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes*.
The FDA defines health equity as “the attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, and other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.” Despite strides made in awareness and policy, significant work remains to achieve this vision.
In the realm of digital health, there’s growing evidence of the positive impact digital tools can have on chronic condition self-management. However, studies indicate a concerning trend: low adoption rates among minority populations in the U.S., which often stem from poor adaptation of digital health solutions to minorities’ specific needs. This can be attributed to a systemic lack of involvement of minority groups in the design of these digital health solutions. Consequently, this is raising concerns about potential exacerbation of health inequalities.
Recognizing the potential of digital health solutions to improve health outcomes, Adhera Health prioritizes inclusiveness as a value in both our daily operations and our product development. We believe that personalized solutions tailored to the unique needs of health minorities are essential for achieving health equity. In line with this commitment, we were honored to receive a NIH/NIMHD award in September 2023 for advancing our Adhera Precision Digital Companionä platform for chronic conditions and adapting it to the U.S. Latinx population with the aim of reducing health inequalities.
Adhera Health is privileged to collaborate with Dr. Jennifer Raymond, MD, MCR, Chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, on the NIH/NIMHD award. Dr. Raymond is enthusiastic about our project and is particularly eager to spearhead the clinical research on pediatric diabetes, encompassing the comprehensive care of both the physical and mental wellbeing of family caregivers of Latinx children with type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Raymond strongly advocates for leveraging digital health technologies to alleviate distress among young individuals with diabetes, particularly those residing in marginalized communities. A study published in 2023 by the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, led by Dr. Raymond and her colleagues, revealed that adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes who primarily engage in diabetes clinic visits via telehealth exhibit improved overall attendance and experience lower levels of diabetes-related distress compared to those attending in person.
To support our efforts and raise awareness, we encourage you to explore the Minority Health and Health Equity Resources Catalog, which offers a comprehensive list of resources available in multiple languages: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/minority-health-and-health-equity/minority-health-and-health-equity-resources
Together, let’s strive for a future where everyone has equal access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or identity.
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