Access Denied: The Real Impact of Healthcare Access on Health Disparities
In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis dives deep into the concept of healthcare access and how it drives health disparities. What does it mean to have access to healthcare truly, and how do barriers like cost, location, and cultural competency create massive gaps in health outcomes? We explore the five dimensions of healthcare access—availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and quality—and discuss how they intertwine to shape the lives of marginalized communities. With real-world examples, current data, and actionable solutions, this episode challenges healthcare professionals to reimagine what access to care should look like and how they can make it happen.
Show Notes:
Episode Highlights:
- What healthcare access really means (03:12)
- The five dimensions of healthcare access (05:01)
- How lack of access contributes to health disparities (08:40)
- Real-world examples, including Black maternal health (12:25)
- Solutions: What can be done to improve access? (16:10)
- Actionable steps for healthcare professionals (19:35)
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Data on Uninsured Rates by Race
- Commonwealth Fund Report on Healthcare Debt and Avoidance
- CDC Report on Preventable Maternal Deaths
- World Health Organization’s (WHO) Five Dimensions of Healthcare Access
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Impact on Marginalized Populations
- Role of Community Health Workers in Expanding Healthcare Access
- Telehealth Expansion and Its Potential to Reduce Health Disparities
Don’t just listen—take action! Whether you're working in policy, healthcare, or advocacy, find one area where you can influence access to care. Share this episode with colleagues, subscribe for more health equity insights, and check out the resources for deeper dives into the research we’ve covered.
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