Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ+ and other minority groups with chronic illnesses have historically been underserved when facing the end of life and, oftentimes, have not received proper health care. Too many of our fellow Arkansans with life-limiting illnesses are at risk of not living or dying well. We can change this.
LifeTouch Health is committed to increasing access to all who live in our service area, especially the underserved, and to providing them with the highest-quality comfort care and symptom management available. From clinical care to family support from chaplains and social workers, our care teams and volunteers are committed to meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients, and to managing their health care wishes through advance directives.
Disparity in Care
In America, we are only three generations removed from slavery. Recent history includes segregation and Jim Crow laws, and current events include incidents of police brutality toward minorities. The cumulative effect of these events has created an environment of institutional distrust of government and health care.
Today, Black people and other minorities experience higher rates of disease, have poorer health insurance coverage, lower life expectancy and a higher infant mortality rate. These and other incidents of unequal treatment in health care have led to systemic distrust of our health care system among minorities.
CLICK HERE for additional content specific to Black individuals and families.
Facts You Need to Know
Nationally and in Arkansas, minorities underutilize hospice services. In 2018, 60% of the U.S. population were white or Caucasian, yet they represented 82% of hospice care utilization.
2018 U.S. Population and Hospice Utilization by Race
SOURCES: William H. Frey analysis of U.S. Census as published by the Metropolitan Policy Program Brookings Institute and NHPCO Facts and Figures 2020 edition, based on Medicare utilization reports.
Additional Concerns
Also troubling is the fact that hospice patients from minority communities are more likely to leave hospice care, experience more visits to the emergency room, and be admitted to the hospital. This is according to an article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Data is limited regarding LBGTQ+ utilization of hospice care. Nevertheless, further research shows that these groups are also underserved. According to AARP, 60% of the LGBTQ+ community voiced concerns about a lack of sensitivity regarding their needs among health care providers.
What We’re Doing
At LifeTouch Health, we are taking action to correct the course of subpar care for minority communities. But there is still much work to be done.
Our services are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, private insurance, private pay or through charitable care. This care is provided to all in need of our services, regardless of age, sex, race, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, color, national origin, religion, citizenship status, veteran status, illness, handicap, disability or ability to pay.
Arkansas Hospice is committed to inclusion and diversity. Media campaigns on TV, radio, print and digital platforms are used to inform minority communities about the benefits and availability of care available to them.
Outreach and Education
Past events include:
Focus groups. Engaging with predominantly Black churches in Clark County, LifeTouch Health has equipped pastors and other church leaders with brochures, posters and other materials to dispel misinformation and educate congregations about the benefits of hospice care.
Research. Change can be more effectively enacted with data. LifeTouch Health has compiled an extensive research survey of the Black community in Jefferson and Grant counties of Arkansas.
Ongoing Opportunities
Webinars. Utilizing local area influencers, “Black, Brown and the Challenge of Dying Well” was presented in a series of four online interactive events. These events, made possible by a grant from the Rebsamen Fund, are available through our Livestream page.
A series of webinars featuring local area panelists influential with minority communities are available to view on our website.
Online Content. Nurses, social workers and nursing home administrators can learn more by viewing one of our online webinars, and utilize this experience to enhance their minority outreach efforts.
Updates and Outreach. LifeTouch Health continually reaches out to forge partnerships within the leadership of minority communities. Examples of this work include educational opportunities with custom presentations, and extensive networking with minority service institutions, churches, serving as a panelist with the UAMS Faith-Academic Initiatives for Transforming Health (FAITH), Black fraternities and sororities, professional organizations, funeral homes and more.
Include Us!
We’re available for presentations on Diversity Equity and Inclusion, as well as Minority Outreach. Click below to schedule an event with our speaker’s bureau.