Commission to End Health Care Disparities
History
In April, 2004 the second meeting of the Federation Task Force on Disparities in Health Care was convened. With representation from over 35 state and specialty medical societies and other health professional organizations, the task force, chaired by the American Medical Association, in conjunction with the National Medical Association, reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating disparities in health care. The group elected to call themselves the Commission to End Health Care Disparities, focusing on physician leadership, quality, and system approaches to the elimination of disparities.
At a subsequent meeting as the Commission, the group formalized its mission and vision statements and agreed to focus on the following four strategies:
- Increasing awareness of disparities
- Promoting better data gathering
- Promoting workforce diversity
- Increasing education and training
Mission Statement
The Commission to End Health Care Disparities, inspired by the Institute of Medicine Report, “Unequal Treatment,” recognizes that health care disparities exist due to multiple factors, including race and ethnicity. We will collaborate proactively to increase awareness among physicians and health professionals; use evidence-based and other strategies; and advocate for action, including governmental, to eliminate disparities in health care and strengthen the health care system.
Vision Statement
Aided by the work of the Commission and its member organizations physicians, health professionals, and health systems will provide quality care to all people.
Learn more about the timeline of events leading to development of the Commission. For additional information, contact Tanya Lopez by e-mail or call (312) 464-4616.
Commission to End Health Care Disparities Five Year Summary Report
2009 marks the fifth anniversary of the formation of the Commission.
Health Care Reform-Letter to President Obama
The Commission to End Health Care Disparities makes recommendations President Obama.
Previous meetings
Presentations and summaries from previous Commission meetings.
Quality Health Care for Minorities: Understanding Physicians' Experiences
Early results from the survey of almost 2000 primary care physicians indicate that many physicians perceive health care disparities and inequalities in health care quality to be a problem and have been actively engaged in attempting to address them.
