One of the issues that the United States is currently facing is health inequality and disparity among minority groups. Health disparity focuses at the differences in health status between different social groups, gender, race, ethnicity, education, and income. Unfortunately, health disparities are affecting minority groups in society. These groups include African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians/Alaska Natives. For people in these racial/ethnic minority populations, health disparities can mean lower life expectancy, and loss of economic opportunities. These groups have very minimal access to health services, which means that they are less likely to get proper medical care. All health care should be standardized, and everyone should …show more content…
Gage Park is known as a community of poverty, crime and violence. Communities such as Gage Park, whose residents are predominantly minorities, face several issues affecting their health. Living in unhealthy environments with fewer care facilities have less emphasis on health care. Living in Gage Park for almost twenty years, I have noticed that you have an easier and faster access to a fast food restaurant than a whole foods market. It is easier for families to purchase a McDonald’s meal instead of purchasing fresh vegetables for a fresh meal. Having an easier access to a fast food restaurant than a whole foods market can cause many health problems. This could be one of the main reasons as to why minorities have more health problems such as: obesity, cholesterol, diabetes and many more. However, community gardens are increasing in order for families to have access to greener and fresher foods. During the summer of 2015, I participated in a program called One Summer Chicago. This program was partnered with Heartland Alliance. Once a week, we would go to a community garden and we would fix the soil and planted vegetables such as: tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and much more. The purpose of this community garden was for families to come together and plant their own vegetables. This garden did not only bring fresher foods for each household, but it also brought the community