A substantial and growing body of research indicates that race/ethnicity continues to matter in the U.S. health care system. Racial/ethnic background affects health status, health insurance coverage, and health care access and quality. The aggregate data used to produce national averages often mask disparities for people of color — especially those who are poor or near poor.
This section provides data and information on Latinos, African Americans, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Natives, who together make up nearly a third of the U.S. population. The fact sheets, chart packs, reports, surveys and webcasts gathered here can help to inform efforts to reduce disparities in health care access and quality.
The Foundation seeks to improve knowledge and understanding of the relationship between race/ethnicity and health care, through policy research and analysis, and media and public education activities. The Foundation also supports the development of new leadership in health policy through the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program, which annually provides talented college students of color the opportunity to work in a congressional office with major health policy responsibilities.
