February 9, 2005 - Alliance Aims to 'Close Gap' in Minority Health Care

A group headed by former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich announced yesterday that it will "utilize sound research and timely data to quantify and identify the presence of chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect Hispanics and Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders" in congressional districts with concentrations of those populations. Citing "dramatic differences" in health status and outcomes among minority groups, the Congressional Leadership Alliance to Eliminate Health Disparities said the disparities can be attributed to a variety of factors, including lack of access to quality medical care. The alliance said it will work to implement pilot programs in congressional districts identified as having major health care disparities. Information about the alliance is available by e-mail at cmesidor@americanvisions.co.