Equalizing Care: Busting Disparities in the Healthcare System

Gaps in equal access to effective healthcare have long been the norm in the U.S., but many weren’t aware of how bad the problem really was until the coronavirus pandemic. Underserved populations — including people of color, particularly Black people, as well as seniors and those with disabilities — were far more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19 at every stage of the pandemic.  These grim realities left many asking “why?” — and frankly, it’s about time. The truth is that equity gaps shape almost every aspect of how people receive and experience healthcare — from how medical treatments are developed, to how they’re delivered, all the way down to what your doctors look like and where they come from. In this series sponsored by Boston Scientific Corp., we’ll delve into some of the most prominent disparities in the U.S. healthcare system and unpack practical, actionable steps for addressing them.