Health disparities: What are “health disparities”? why do we care? should we care?

Abstract

A concise overview of what is meant by the terms, “health disparities” and “health inequities” is offered as a basis for understanding the need for successful public health advocacy. Recent statistics illustrate the health disparities and provide a deeper understanding for why such knowledge is important for both the public at large and for public health practitioners. Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, provides “Notes from the Field” with advice on public health, politics, coalition building, and advocacy.