Health DisparitiesAmong Blacks in Westchester: A Snapshot...STATUS WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF...

Health Disparities AmongBlacks in Westchester: A Snapshot

Andrew J. Spano, Westchester County ExecutiveCounty Board of Legislators

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

ACCESS TOHEALTH CARE

SOCIOECONOMIC

STATUS

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTHJoshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Commissioner

ADVOCACYDEMOGRAPHICS

A Report from County Executive Spano’s Blue Ribbon Task Force

“African Americans often perceive barriersto health services and delay seeking neededcare, resulting in presentation of illness at alater, less treatable stage of illness and high-er mortality.”

A Task Force Member

i

Message from County Executive Andy Spano

In Westchester County, as in the rest of the state and throughout the nation, it is becoming increas-ingly evident that health conditions adversely affect various groups in different ways. The causesfor these disparities are many and complex, because they often go beyond the field of medicine andinto the realm of socioeconomic realities.

To address these health disparities, I have created the Westchester County Blue Ribbon Task Forcefor the Elimination of Health Disparities. This Task Force consists of a select group of Westchester'scommunity and medical leaders whom I believe hold unique knowledge and insight on this issue.

The work of this Task Force is important because the advances that have been made in medicine andhealth protection should be of benefit to all, yet we see that there are disparities in health outcomesbetween the races. The Task Force's guidance is vital in understanding why these disparities existand how to begin to overcome them so we can improve the health of Westchester's Black communi-ties. It is my hope that together, we can develop messages that reach the doctors and hospitals whoprovide the services as well as our residents who need them.

The charge I have given to this committee is not easy. Solutions are not around the corner.However, I am proud that we have begun to raise awareness to address this vital health concern.

I thank the committee members for serving.

Sincerely,

Andrew J. SpanoCounty Executive

ii

Message from Commissioner Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H.

Cultural and ethnic diversity gives Westchester its strength and character. Such diversity enrichesour communities by providing cultural enhancement, mixed populations, interesting avenues oflearning, and greater acceptance of new residents. Diversity also brings distinctive challenges to theagencies that provide services such as access to health care or direct health services.

As is the case nationwide, health disparities adversely affect Black people in Westchester:Black men have higher rates of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and esophageal cancer

than Whites.Black women have higher rates of pancreatic and cervical cancer than whites. From 1998-2002, more than half of the reported AIDS cases in Westchester County were

among Black people.Higher proportions of younger patients are hospitalized due to circulatory

disease, and cancer.Black people are over represented in asthma related hospitalization.They are over represented in hospitalization due to mental disorders.The average age of death is more than 10 years younger than among Whites (66.8 vs. 77.4 in2002).In 2002, 59% of the female HIV cases were among Black people; and 45% of the male HIV cases were among Black men.Black people had an infant mortality rate that was almost twice the average in Westchester

County in 2002.

County Executive Spano charged the Blue Ribbon Task Force with identifying unique and effectiveways to begin to eliminate some of these health disparities. There are many things government can-not do alone, and in cooperation with the Task Force, we are all made stronger.

To begin to address this challenge, the Health Department hired two consultants to assist the BlueRibbon Task Force in their activities. One consultant was to focus on developing a quantitativeassessment of health disparities among Black people in Westchester; the other on a qualitative assessment of these same health disparities, as experienced by the community itself. The consultantswent to work immediately to prepare their proposals to the Task Force regarding methodology thatwould provide the desired results. Please note that statistics from prior years may represent the mostrecently available.

During the first meeting of the Blue Ribbon Task Force convened by County Executive Andy Spanoon September 12, 2005, key leaders of the Black community received their charge from the County

iii

Executive and, through lively discussion, highlighted the breadth of the health disparity problem andthe multiple avenues of approaching health disparities. The group spent time working to narrow thefocus of approach so that an appropriate snapshot of health disparities among Blacks could be devel-oped within the time constraints of the project, and offered insights to the consultants as to how the ini-tial report should be shaped. The Task Force determined that its primary efforts would be spent on asmall number of achievable goals rather than an exhaustive study of the problem that has been well-defined nationally. To that end, they asked the consultants to have the snapshot of health disparities inWestchester ready for review by the second Task Force meeting on November 2, 2005.

Working with volunteers from the Blue Ribbon Task Force, consultants focused their attention on providing a significant product within the very short time span between the first and second meetings,so that the Task Force could then begin to review their findings and make recommendations as to howbest to address the needs outlined within.

This report, Health Disparities Among Blacks in Westchester County: A Snapshot, a Report from CountyExecutive Spano’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, is the result of these efforts to date. Using the information con-tained in this report, the Task Force will now identify key areas where achievable goals can be pursued.

As a conclusion of the Report, it is clear that health disparities exist in the Black community inWestchester County, as they do throughout the state and the nation. These disparities are of historic origin and are multifaceted in origin. The resolution of these health disparities is not an easy task.However, new perspectives on addressing health disparities, such as those that will develop from theTask Force, will enable us to make progress in resolving these disparities.

This report affirms the extent of these disparities in Westchester and acts as a starting point for the devel-opment of creative initiatives that will begin to address these disparities over the coming months. Sincegovernment cannot do this alone, we must all work together to reach the common goal. It is my hopethat the next time we revisit these statistics, appreciable progress will have been made on amelioratinghealth disparities in Westchester’s Black communities.

Sincerely,

Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H.Commissioner of Health

iv

Westchester County Blue Ribbon Task Force for the Elimination of

Health Disparities Among Blacks in Westchester

Aisha Abdul-Hakim, R.N. - President of the Westchester Black Nurses Association

Valiere Alcena, M.D., F.A.C.P. - Clinical Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Rosa Barksdale - CEO, Barksdale HealthCare Services Inc.

Hon. Lois Bronz - Legislator, Westchester County Board of Legislators

Valentine Burroughs, M.D. - Chair of the Health Policy Committee, National Medical Association

Jacqueline Dunbar, M.D. - OB/GYN, Founder of the Women Tell Us to Well Us Initiative

Barbara Edwards - Co-Chair, African American Advisory Board

Reverend Barbara Evans, M.P.H. - Minister of Wholeness, Grace Baptist Church

James Foy - President/CEO, St. Johns Riverside Hospital

Harold Freeman M.D. - Associate Director of the National Cancer Institute

Desta Lakew, M.P.H. - Director of Patient Marketing, Open Door Family Medical Center

Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H. - Commissioner, Westchester County Health Department

Merville Marshall Jr, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E. - President, The Endocrine Institute

Carole Morris - Director, Mt. Vernon Neighborhood Health Center

Dorothy J. Orr - President, Orr Associates

Shawyn Patterson Howard - Branch Director, Mt. Vernon Family YMCA

Lynne Perry-Bottinger, M.D., F.A.C.C. - President/CEO, Clinical/Interventional Cardiology, P.L.L.C.

Reverand Jeanette Phillips - Executive Vice President, Hudson River Health Care

Thomas J. Price, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.C. - Cardiologist, Private Practice

Jon B. Schandler - President/CEO, White Plains Hospital Center

Meredith Sirmans, M.D. - OB/GYN, President/The Society of Black Physicians of Westchester and New York

John R. Spicer - President/CEO, Sound Shore Medical Center

Hon. Andrea Stewart Cousins - Vice-Chair, Westchester County Board of Legislators

Carol L. Weber, R.N., M.S. - President/CEO, Visiting Nurse Services of Westchester

May 2006v

“Many Black residents don’t want to con-tend with the various barriers and discrimi-nation that one encounters when trying tonavigate the health care system.”

A Community Resident

vi

Westchester Population Profile by Race: Voices of the Black CommunityWestchester Population Profile by Race: What the Data Tell Us

Population by Race, 2000Educational Attainment, 2000Black Foreign-Born Population By Origin and Tenure, 2000

Socioeconomic Status: Voices of the Black CommunitySocioeconomic Status: What the Data Tell Us

Poverty Status by Race, 1999Blacks in Poverty and Near Poverty, 1999Children in Poverty, 1999

Vital Statistics: Voices of the Black CommunityVital Statistics: What the Data Tell Us

Live Births by Race, 2000-2002Low and Very Low Birthweight by race, 2000-2002Late or No Prenatal Care by Race, 2000-2002Teen Births by Race, 2000-2002Infant Mortality by Race, 1998-2002Mortality by RaceLeading Causes of DeathLeading Causes of Death among Blacks in NYSDeaths from CancerAge Adjusted Rate of Cancer Deaths in NYSEstimated Cancer Survival Rate in U.S.Cigarette Smoking Status in New York State AdultsCigarette Smoking Status in New York State YouthCardiovascular DiseaseWeight Status Among New York State AdultsPrevalence of Overweight/Obese Weight Status by Gender, United StatesDiabetesHIV/AIDSLife Expectancy

Illnesses: Voices of the Black CommunityIllnesses: What the Data Tell Us

CancerSexually Transmitted Disease

Developed and designed by the Health Education and Information Division of the Westchester County Department of Health.

vii

Table of Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

36

Page Title Page

viii

Table of Contents

HIV/AIDSPersons Living With HIVHeart Disease/StrokeDiagnosed HypertensionDiabetesAge Adjusted Prevalence of Diagnosed Diabetes in the U.S.AsthmaMental Disorders

Self Reported Health Status and Care: What the U.S. and New York State Data Tell Us Self Reported Health Status and Care: Voices of the Black Community

Self Reported Health Status and CareFeedback from the Community and Task Force: Voices of the Black Community

Qualitative Research OverviewVoices of the Black Community: Research Sample SurveyLast Time Visited Health Care PractitionerOverall Health Care Experience RatingPersonal Health RatingHealth Care Disparity in Westchester CountyVoices of the Black CommunityHospital Administrators and Agency AdministratorsTask Force Member SurveyReasons People Are Unable To Get Care

Blacks in Health Care: Voices of the Black CommunityTask Force Perceptions

Blacks in Health Care: What the Data Tell UsBlacks in Health CareStudents in Westchester County Nursing ProgramsHospital and Community Physicans, Staff Nurses and Board of Directors in Westchester

CountyWestchester County Hospitals Managerial Staff

Recommendations from the Task Force: Voices of the Black CommunityAppendices

Appendix 1: Health Planning Regions Appendix 2: Categories of Titles Considered Professional (See Graph on page 62)Appendix 3: Categories of Titles Considered Technical (See Graph on page 62)

38394041424344454647484950515354555657586063646566676869

707173747577

Page Title Page

Qualitative Research Report produced by Cheryl Brannan, Brannan Solutions GroupQuantitative Research Report produced by Dale D. Mottola, Applied Systems Group, Inc.

“[It’s important to] identify where the low-income Black families are located in theCounty so that a pilot project could have thegreatest impact.”

A Task Force Member

“I think that whatever information thatcomes from the various communities andinstitutions should be compiled so that theTask Force can effectively present it to thevarious agencies that could help in bringingabout changes in the level of the dispari-ties.”

A Task Force Member

Westchester Population Profileby Race: Voices of the Black Community

1

Westchester PopulationProfile by Race: What

the Data Tell Us

2

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

White 75.1% 67.9% 84.9% 71.3%

Black 12.3% 15.9% 8.1% 14.2%

United States New York StateNew York State exc

NYCWestchester County

Population by Race, 2000

SOURCE: U.S. Census, 2000

The proportion of persons who are Black or African American in Westchester County(14.2%) is higher than in the United States (12.3%). Although the percentage of Blacksin New York State as a whole (15.9%) is higher than for Westchester County, the per-centage of Blacks in New York State exclusive of New York City is only 8.1%.

Health disparities present among Blacks may impact Westchester County to a greaterdegree than upstate New York or the United States as a whole.

NOTE: The categories of White and Black/African American include individuals who classified themselves as that racealone.

3

Educational Attainment, 2000

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

WESTCHESTER RESIDENTS WITH LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

White 17.0% 16.2% 14.6% 13.5%

Black 28.4% 30.0% 29.5% 24.6%

United States New York StateNew York State

excl NYCWestchester

In Westchester County,24.6% of the Black popula-tion aged 18 and over donot have a high schooldiploma, as compared to13.5% of the White adultpopulation.

4


0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%

WESTCHESTER RESIDENTS WITH COLLEGE DEGREE OR HIGHER

White 24.1% 28.7% 26.1% 43.3%

Black 12.7% 14.3% 14.3% 20.9%


excl NYCWestchester

In Westchester County,20.9% of Blacks hold a bach-elor’s degree or higher, ascompared with 43.3% of theWhite population.

However, the rates for thosewith less than a high schooldiploma and those with acollege degree or higherindicate that Blacks inWestchester County haveattained a higher level ofeducation than in eitherNew York State as a wholeor the United States.

Black Foreign-Born Population By Origin andTenure, 2000

79%

21%

Native Born Foreign Born

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Entered 1990-2000 6,811 1,643 826

Entered B efo re 1990 15,042 1,035 1,820

C aribbean A frica Other

In Westchester County, 21% of Blacks were born outside of the U.S. Over 65% ofBlack immigrants came to this country prior to 1990. The majority of Black immi-grants originate from the Caribbean.

SOURCE: U. S. Census, 2000

5

Socioeconomic Status:Voices of the Black Community

“To only address the health issues without addressingthe socioeconomic problems that have contributed tothe disparities will be the same as treating the symp-toms and not the source of the illness.”

A Task Force Member

“Many seniors and widows cannot afford to go to thedoctor as needed. Cost is high and it is often difficultto get to the doctors office. Taxis are very expensivealso.” A Community Member

“Blacks who visit Health Centers [low-income] aretreated differently from blacks with higher income whoneed health care services. ” A Community Member

6

“Race alone is an independent cause of disparity inhealth care-independent of socio-economic status,insurance status, age or gender. ” A Task Force Member

Socioeconomic Status:What the Data Tell Us

7

Poverty Status by Race, 1999

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

P OVER T Y ST A T US OF B LA C K P OP ULA T ION

200%+ Poverty 52.2% 55.8% 56.9% 65.8%

100%-199% Poverty 22.9% 19.3% 20.0% 16.2%

<100% Poverty 24.9% 25.0% 23.1% 18.0%


exc NYC

Westchester

County

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

P OVER T Y ST A T US OF WH IT E P OP ULA T ION

200%+ Poverty 75.7% 76.7% 79.1% 86.8%

100%-199% Poverty 15.2% 13.6% 13.6% 7.7%

<100% Poverty 9.1% 9.8% 7.8% 5.5%


exc NYC

Westchester

County

In Westchester County, 18% of the Black population live in poverty, as comparedwith 5.5% of the White population*. However, proportionally fewer Blacks inWestchester County live in poverty than in New York State as a whole (25%), orin the United States (24.9%). Conversely, 65.8% of Westchester’s Black popula-tion have incomes greater than 200% of the poverty threshold, as compared with55.8% of Blacks in New York State and 52.2% of Blacks in the United States.


*In the 2000 US Census, the poverty threshold for a family of four (two dependent children) was $16,895. Lowincome (or near poverty) is defined as those with incomes under 200% of the poverty threshold.

Blacks in Poverty and Near Poverty, 1999

In the City of Yonkers, where theBlack population is highly concen-trated, over 20% of Blacks live inpoverty.

There are also municipalities scatteredthroughout Westchester County thathave at least 20% of the Black popula-tion living in or near poverty*.

*In the 2000 US Census, the poverty threshold for afamily of four (two dependent children) was $16,895.Low income (or near poverty) is defined as those withincomes under 200% of the poverty threshold.


9

Children In Poverty, 1999

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

P ER C EN T OF A LL C H ILD R EN LIVIN G IN P OVER T Y

White 11.2% 12.6% 9.6% 6.1%

Black 33.1% 32.9% 30.6% 24.4%

United States New York StateNew York State excl

NYCWestchester

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%

P ER C EN T OF P ER SON S IN P OVER T Y A GED 0-17

White 29.0% 29.1% 29.8% 25.6%

Black 42.6% 39.5% 43.7% 38.9%

United States New York StateNew York State excl

NYCWestchester

Nearly 40% of all Blacksin Westchester Countywith incomes belowfederal poverty levelare children (ages 0-17).


Proportionally, thereare fewer Black chil-dren living in povertyin Westchester than inNew York State or inNew York City. Yet,in WestchesterCounty, 24.4% ofBlack children aged 0-17 live in poverty, ascompared with 6.1%of White children.

10

Vital Statistics:Voices of the Black Community

“Being Black has been identified by manyrecent national studies as being the singularreason why Blacks receive poor medical care ascompared to the medical care that Whitesreceive. ”

A Task Force Member

“In my practice, I have noted AfricanAmericans frequently presenting with laterstages of disease. ”

A Task Force Member

“[There is a] lower likelihood [that] theAfrican American patient [will] receive lifesaving therapy before or after a heart attack.”

A Task Force Member

11

Vital Statistics: Whatthe Data Tell Us

12

Live Births by Race, 2000-2002

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

100.0%

White 71.4% 75.5% 76.1% 78.1% 89.3% 75.7% 91.3% 72.0% 62.1%

Black 20.5% 17.7% 15.6% 8.8% 2.7% 12.1% 3.2% 21.5% 32.2%

New York

State

New York

State exc

NYC

Westchester

County

Northwest

HPR

Northeast

HPR

West

Central

HPR

East Central

HPR

Southwest

HPR

Southeast

HPR

SOURCE: Westchester County Department of Health, 2000-2002

In Westchester County, 15.6% of live births are classified as Black. In the SoutheastHealth Planning Area, over 32% of newborns are Black, followed by 21.5% of livebirths in the Southwest Health Planning Region*.

*See Appendix 1

13

Low and Very Low Birthweight by Race, 2000-2002

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

Whit e 6.7% 6.6% 6.5% 6.8% 6.8% 5.6% 6.9% 6.5% 6.4%

Black 11.6% 12.6% 12.5% 12.0% 10.4% 12.2% 13.2% 12.4% 12.9%

New York

St at e

New York

St at e exc

NYC

West chest er

Count y

Nort hwest

HPR

Nort heast

HPR

West

Cent ral HPR

East Cent ral

HPR

Sout hwest

HPR

Sout heast

HPR

Low Birthweight (<2500 grams) Births

0.0%

0.5%

1.0%

1.5%

2.0%

2.5%

3.0%

3.5%

4.0%

4.5%

5.0%

Whit e 1.2% 1.2% 1.0% 1.2% 0.7% 0.6% 1.0% 1.4% 1.1%

Black 2.8% 3.2% 3.1% 3.9% 2.2% 3.0% 4.6% 2.9% 2.9%

New York

St at e

New York

St at e exc

NYC

West chest er

Count y

Nort hwest

HPR

Nort heast

HPR

West Cent ral

HPR

East Cent ral

HPR

Sout hwest

HPR

Sout heast

HPR

Very Low Birthweight (<1500 grams)

SOURCE: Westchester County Department of Health, NYS Department of Health

For very low weight births, the disparity between Blacks and Whites in WestchesterCounty is even greater. In the East Central Health Planning Region* the percentage ofvery low weight births among Blacks is nearly five times the rate for Whites.

In Westchester County, the percentage of low weight births among Blacks is nearlydouble that for Whites. The greatest disparity occurs in the West Central HealthPlanning Region*.

14

*See Appendix 1

Late or No Prenatal Care by Race, 2000-2002

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

White 21.2% 20.5% 18.8% 17.0% 9.5% 20.3% 16.6% 29.9% 15.5%

Black 35.1% 35.6% 29.2% 28.9% 29.6% 29.9% 27.2% 33.7% 25.8%

New York

State

New York

State exc

NYC

Westchester

County

Northwest

HPR

Northeast

HPR

West Central

HPR

East Central

HPR

Southwest

HPR

Southeast

HPR


In Westchester County, in 29.2% of live births among Black women, prenatal carestarted after the first trimester of pregnancy or not at all, as compared with 18.8%of live births among White women. The proportion among Black women is similaracross all Health Planning Regions*, while the percentage varied widely amongWhite women.

The widest disparity occurs in the Northeast Health Planning Region*, where thepercentage of Black women who delay seeking or never seek prenatal care is threetimes that of White women.

NOTE: Late or no prenatal care is number of women beginning prenatal care in months 4through 9 of pregnancy or not seeking prenatal care at all divided by total live births.

15

*See Appendix 1

Teen Births by Race, 2000-2002

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

11.0%

12.0%

13.0%

14.0%

Black 18-19 5.3% 6.5% 6.5% 6.5% 3.7% 5.7% 4.6% 7.0% 6.8%

Black 10-17 5.0% 6.7% 3.8% 3.3% 1.5% 1.9% 1.3% 5.5% 3.5%

New York

St at e

New York

St at e exc

NYC

West chest er

Count y

Nort hwest

HPR

Nort heast

HPR

West

Cent ral HPR

East Cent ral

HPR

Sout hwest

HPR

Sout heast

HPR

Births Among Black Women Aged 10-19


0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

11.0%

12.0%

13.0%

14.0%

Whit e 18-19 3.1% 2.9% 2.7% 2.3% 0.6% 2.2% 2.0% 5.0% 3.0%

Whit e 10-17 2.2% 1.9% 1.2% 0.8% 0.2% 1.0% 0.9% 2.6% 1.2%

New York

St at e

New York

St at e exc

NYC

West chest er

Count y

Nort hwest

HPR

Nort heast

HPR

West

Cent ral HPR

East Cent ral

HPR

Sout hwest

HPR

Sout heast

HPR

Births Among White Women Aged 10-19

16

In Westchester County, the percentage of births among teenage Blacks (10.3%) is 2.6times that of Whites (3.9%). Although the percentage of live births to Black teens inWestchester County equals that of New York State as a whole, the disparity betweenWhites and Blacks is greater in Westchester County than for New York State.

Infant Mortality by Race, 1998-2002

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

White 5.0 5.1 3.3 3.6 3.2 2.2 2.2 3.8 3.8

Black 9.9 14.2 10.6 13.0 9.3 9.1 7.9 10.1 10.6

New York

State

New York

State exc

NYC

Westchester

County

Northwest

HPR

Northeast

HPR

West Central

HPR

East Central

HPR

Southwest

HPR

Southeast

HPR


Blacks in Westchester County as a whole experience infant mortality at a rateover three times that of Whites. This disparity reaches 3.6 times that ofWhites in the Northwest Health Planning Region*.

Blacks experience a greater disparity in the rate of infant mortality when com-pared to Whites in Westchester County than in New York State as a whole.

NOTE: Infant mortality rate is number of deaths in infants under one year of age dividedby total live births.

17

*See Appendix 1

Mortality by Race

0.0

200.0

400.0

600.0

800.0

1000.0

1200.0

AGE ADJUSTED DEATH RATE FROM ALL CAUSES, 2000-2002

White 721.0 833.2 829.0

Black 914.9 962.0 1083.3

Westchester New York State United States

SOURCES: Westchester County Department of Health; NYS Department of Health, Vital StatisticsAnnual Report, 2000, 2001, 2002; National Center for Health Statistics, 2004

NOTE: Rates for Westchester and New York State are calculated using average annual deaths forthe time period 2000-2002, adjusted to the 2000 US standard population. Rate for the United Statesis for 2002 only.

The age adjusted rate of death from all causes among the Black population inWestchester County is 1.3 times higher than the rate for the White population. Thisdifference is similar to that found in New York State and the United States.

18

LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH AMONG BLACKS IN WESTCHESTER

30%

24%5%4%

4%

33%

Diseases of the Heart Malignant Neoplasms Cerebrovascular Disease

Accidents Diabetes Mellitus Other

LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH AMONG WHITES IN WESTCHESTER

37%

24%

5%4%

3%

27%

Diseases of the Heart Malignant Neoplasms

Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Cerebrovascular Disease

Pneumonia Other

SOURCE: Westchester County Department of Health, 2002

Heart disease and malignant neoplasms are the top two causes of death among bothBlacks and Whites. Cerebrovascular disease ranks fourth for causes of death in Blacks,and ranks fifth for Whites. Accidents and diabetes are the fourth and fifth leading caus-es of death in Blacks.

Leading Causes of Death

19

LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH AMONG BLACKS IN NYS

32.9%

22.5%4.8%4.1%

4.0%

31.7%

Diseases of the Heart Malignant Neoplasms AIDS

Diabetes Mellitus Cerebrovascular Disease Other

LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH AMONG WHITES IN NYS

36.8%

23.3%

4.9%4.8%

3.5%

26.6%

Diseases of the Heart Malignant Neoplasms

Cerebrovascular Disease Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

Pneumonia Other

SOURCE: NYS Department of Health, Vital Statistics Annual Report, 2002

20

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

AGE ADJUSTED RATE OF CANCER DEATHS IN WESTCHESTER

White 180.2 44.3 19.7 9.9 16.2 0.9

Black 220.0 43.3 21.8 22.8 22.9 1.7

All Malignant

NeoplasmsLung Cancer

Colorectal

CancerProstate Cancer Breast Cancer

Cervical-Uterine

Cancer

Deaths from Cancer

SOURCE: Westchester County Department of Health

NOTE: Rates were calculated using average annual deaths for the time period 2000-2002, adjustedto the 2000 US standard population.

Among Westchester County residents, the mortality rate for all invasive malignanttumors among Blacks was 1.2 times the rate for Whites.

Disparities are particularly evident in prostate and breast cancers. Early deaths fromprostate cancer are 2.3 times greater in Blacks than in Whites. Early deaths frombreast cancer are 1.4 times greater in Blacks than in Whites.

21

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

250.0

300.0

AGE ADJUSTED RATE OF CANCER DEATHS IN NYS

White Males 232.0 66.5 26.4 26.3 0.0 0.0

Black Males 260.2 67.6 27.9 58.8 0.0 0.0

White Females 166.7 40.5 53.0 0.0 27.9 2.5

Black Females 163.6 30.1 20.2 0.0 30.2 4.9

All Sites Lung Colorectal ProstateFemale

Breast

Cervical-

Uterine

SOURCE: NYS Cancer Registry, 1998-2002

Rates are per 100,000 persons, age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

The disparity in cancer mortality between the Black and White populations is simi-lar in New York State. There are approximately twice as many prostate cancerdeaths in Black men as in White men. The death rate for breast cancer is approxi-mately the same for Black and White females.

22

According to national data, Blacks are also less likely to be cancer survivors. A lowerpercentage of Black males and females had a five-year cancer survival rate for allselected cancer types, as well as all cancer sites combined. Among males, 55.8% ofBlacks survived five years as compared with 64.8% of Whites. Among females, thesurvival rate among Blacks was 51.8% as compared with 64.9% of Whites.

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

ESTIMATED CANCER SURVIVAL RATE IN U.S.

White Males 64.8 13.5 64.2 99.0 0.0 0.0

Black Males 55.8 11.3 53.8 94.3 0.0 0.0

White Females 64.9 17.5 63.0 0.0 88.3 73.3

Black Females 51.8 14.8 52.8 0.0 74.1 62.6

All Sites Lung Colon ProstateFemale

Breast

Cervical-

Uterine

SOURCE: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute SEER Program,1992-2000

23

24

CIGARETTE SMOKING STATUS IN NEW YORK STATE ADULTS

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

White Black

Everyday Smoker Someday Smoker Formerly or Never Smoked

In New York State, 20.8% of Black adults responding to the 2003 Behavioral RiskFactor Surveillance Survey indicated that they smoke either some days or everyday, as compared with 21.6% of White respondents.

According to the 2004 Youth Tobacco Survey, prevalence of cigarette smoking islower among Black youth than White youth. Survey results indicate that 6.8% ofWhite Middle School students smoke some days or frequently, as compared with4.1% of Black students of the same age group. Among High School students,34.8% of White students smoke some days or frequently, as compared with 8.9% ofBlack students in that age group.

SOURCE: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2003

25

CIGARETTE SMOKING STATUS IN NEW YORK STATE YOUTH Grades 9-12:

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Formerly or Never Smoked 65.2 91.1

Current Smoker 23.0 6.7

Frequent Smoker 11.8 2.2

White Black

Grades 6-8:

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Formerly or Never Smoked 93.2 95.9

Current Smoker 5.4 3.4

Frequent Smoker 1.4 0.7

White Black

SOURCE: NYS Department of Health, Youth Tobacco Survey, 2004

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

250.0

300.0

350.0

400.0

AGE ADJUSTED DEATH RATE FROM CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN WESTCHESTER

White 308.7 251.8 26.3

Black 381.5 301.6 33.1

Cardiovascular Disease Heart Disease Stroke

Cardiovascular Disease


NOTE: Rates were calculated using average annual deaths for the time period 2000-2002,adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

Among Westchester County residents, the mortality rate for all cardiovasculardiseases among Blacks was 1.2 times the rate for Whites. A similar difference inmortality rate between Blacks and Whites occurs in deaths from heart diseaseand stroke.

26

27

WEIGHT STATUS AMONG NEW YORK STATE ADULTS

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Obese 18.8 31.7

Overweight 36.5 35.9

Underweight/Normal 44.7 32.4

White Black

Based on the height and weight of New York State respondents to the 2003Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, two-thirds of Black adults areeither overweight or obese, as compared with slightly over half of Whiteadults.

National data indicate that being overweight or obese is most commonamong Black females (77.3%). Fewer Black males are overweight or obese(60.7%) than White males (67.4%).

SOURCE: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2003

28

PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT/OBESE WEIGHT STATUS BY GENDER, UNITED STATES

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

White/Not Hispanic 67.4 57.3

Black/Not Hispanic 60.7 77.3

Male Female

SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition ExaminationSurvey, 1999-2000

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

AGE ADJUSTED RATE OF DEATH FROM DIABETES IN WESTCHESTER

Westchester 12.8 29.9

White Black

Diabetes


NOTE: Rates were calculated using average annual deaths for the time period 2000-2002,adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

Among Westchester County residents, the mortality rate for diabetes amongBlacks was 2.3 times the rate for Whites.

29

HIV/AIDS

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

20.0

AGE ADJUSTED RATE OF HIV/AIDS DEATHS IN WESTCHESTER


White Black

NOTE: Rates were calculated using average annual deaths for the time period 2000-2002, adjust-ed to the 2000 US standard population.

Among Westchester County residents, the mortality rate for all HIV/AIDS wasover seven times higher among Blacks than among Whites.


30

Life Expectancy

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

AVERAGE AGE AT DEATH IN WESTCHESTER


White Black

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH BY RACE, UNITED STATES

United States 77.7 72.3 75.1 68.8 80.3 75.6

White Black White Male Black Male White Female Black Female

In WestchesterCounty, Blacks livean average of 10.6fewer years thanWhites.

SOURCE: Westchester County Department of Health, 2002

SOURCE: National Vital Statistics Report, 2004

Nationally, lifeexpectancy at birthfor Blacks in 2002was 5.4 years short-er than for Whites.

31

Illnesses:Voices of the Black Community

“Higher incidence of emergency admissions.Higher incidence of asthma, heart disease, dia-betes and addiction. Shorter life expectancy. ”

A Hospital Administrator

“[Health disparities] show up for the most partwhen medical care is finally sought, and thepatient is told that the medical conditionshould have been treated or followed-up muchsooner. ”

A Task Force Member

32

“Cancer statistics: The incidence rate amongBlack women is somewhat lower, although thedeath rate is much higher.”

A Task Force Member

Illnesses: Whatthe Data Tell Us

33

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

700.0

C A N C ER IN C ID EN C E IN WEST C H EST ER

White Males 566.8 74.6 70.3 161.2 0.0 0.0

Black Males 639.8 84.3 76.1 262.9 0.0 0.0

White Females 443.7 54.8 48.9 0.0 143.0 6.7

Black Females 366.0 38.6 58.4 0.0 99.0 11.8


Breast

Cervical-

Uterine

Cancer

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

C A N C ER IN C ID EN C E IN N YS

White Males 569.0 86.0 73.2 154.5 0.0 0.0

Black Males 586.8 85.2 61.2 245.4 0.0 0.0

White Females 445.9 57.8 53.0 0.0 135.1 8.3

Black Females 353.1 40.2 48.8 0.0 96.6 14.7


Breast

Cervical-

Uterine

Among WestchesterCounty residents, the can-cer incidence rate for allinvasive malignant tumorsamong Black males was 1.1times the rate for Whitemales. Among females, therate was lower for theBlack population.

SOURCE: NYS Cancer Registry, 1998-2002


The greatest disparity occurs with theincidence of prostate cancer, with a difference of 1.6 times the incidence ofprostate cancer among Black men ascompared to incidence among Whitemen. Prostate cancer incidence in Blackmale Westchester residents exceededboth the New York State and UnitedStates rates.

34

Cancer

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

700.0

C A N C ER IN C ID EN C E IN T H E U.S.

White Males 542.2 72.8 58.9 167.8 0.0 0.0

Black Males 642.9 108.2 68.3 251.3 0.0 0.0

White Females 418.2 48.3 43.3 0.0 139.0 8.3

Black Females 378.4 52.5 54.0 0.0 111.9 10.5


Breast

Cervical-

Uterine

SOURCE: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute SEER Program, 2001


Among women, breast cancer incidence was lower among Black females thanWhite females. However, incidence of cervical-uterine cancer among Blackwomen was nearly double that for White women for Westchester County aswell as all New York State females.

35

Sexually Transmitted Disease

0.0

100.0

200.0

300.0

400.0

500.0

600.0

700.0

800.0

C H LA M YD IA IN C ID EN C E R A T ES

White 45.2 114.3

Black 577.3 785.7

Westchester United States

0.0

500.0

1000.0

1500.0

2000.0

2500.0

3000.0

3500.0

C H LA M YD IA IN C ID EN C E R A T ES B Y A GE IN WEST C H EST ER

White 45.2 1.5 251.6 412.5 172.2 31.0 19.9 3.6

Black 577.3 66.5 2638.0 3309.9 1139.5 441.0 219.4 59.4

Total <15 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40+

Although the incidence rate of chlamydia inWestchester County is lessthan that for the UnitedStates among both theWhite and Black popula-tions, the disparity betweenWhites and Blacks isgreater in Westchester,where the rate of chlamy-dia infection among Blackswas more than 12 timesthat for Whites.Chlamydia cases accountfor about 70% of all cases ofsexually transmitted dis-eases among both Blacksand Whites.

Chlamydia infection occurspredominantly among per-sons aged 15-24. Incidencerates among Blacksbetween 15 - 19 is morethan 10 times that ofWhites. From 20 - 24, inci-dence rates are about 8times higher in Blacks.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003; Westchester CountyDepartment of Health, Division of Disease Control, 2003

NOTE: Rates are reported per 100,000 population.

36

Sexually Transmitted Disease

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

250.0

300.0

350.0

400.0

450.0

500.0

GON OR R H EA IN C ID EN C E R A T ES

White 17.2 26.4

Black 279.1 485.5

Westchester United States

0.0

200.0

400.0

600.0

800.0

1000.0

1200.0

1400.0

1600.0

GON OR R H EA IN C ID EN C E R A T ES B Y A GE IN WEST C H EST ER

White 17.2 0.0 74.0 122.0 35.6 33.2 19.9 4.8

Black 279.1 22.2 1196.4 1420.3 581.6 306.7 194.1 33.6

Total <15 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40+

The incidence rate of gonor-rhea in Westchester Countyis also less than in the UnitedStates among both the Whiteand Black populations. Therate of infection amongBlacks in Westchester is over16 times that for Whites.

Gonorrhea also primarilyoccurs among younger agegroups (15-24) among bothBlacks and Whites; the great-est disparity in the rate ofinfection between the Blackand White populations is forpersons aged 15-29.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003; WestchesterCounty Department of Health, Division of Disease Control, 2003

NOTE: Rates are reported per 100,000 population.

37

HIV/AIDS

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

White Non-Hispanic 41.1% 26.0% 38.9% 29.4%

Black Non-Hispanic 39.1% 43.7% 40.7% 50.2%


exc NYCWestchester

Cumulative AIDS Cases

In Westchester County, 50.2% of all AIDS cases confirmed through December 31, 2003occurred among Black/Non-Hispanics, whereas 29.4% of such cases are White/Non-Hispanic.

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

White Non-Hispanic 36.3% 22.3% 32.3% 22.6%

Black Non-Hispanic 42.2% 45.4% 44.2% 52.5%


exc NYCWestchester

Over half (52.5%) of persons living with AIDS in Westchester are Black/Non-Hispanics.

Persons Living With AIDS

38

Persons Living With HIV

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

White Non-Hispanic 23.3% 30.0% 20.3%

Black Non-Hispanic 44.2% 43.3% 52.4%

New York State New York State exc NYC Westchester

Black/Non-Hispanics also comprise more than half of persons living withHIV in Westchester (52.4%).

For Westchester County, data include reported cases from NYSDOH Bureau ofHIV/AIDS Epidemiology through 12/31/03 with data as of 1/4/05. Excludes pediatriccases and includes inmates.

Data for New York State and New York State exclusive of New York City include pediatric and inmate cases.

United States cumulative data exclude pediatric cases. Persons Living With AIDS isestimated. Persons Living With HIV is not available.

39

Heart Disease/Stroke

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

H OSP IT A LIZ A T ION S F R OM H EA R T D ISEA SE

White 0.1 1.5 11.6 58.4 13.3

Black 0.1 3.0 18.6 57.1 10.5

0-17 18-44 45-64 65+ Total

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

H OSP IT A LIZ A T ION S F R OM ST R OKE

White 0.0 0.2 1.8 14.9 3.0

Black 0.0 0.7 4.2 22.0 3.2

0-17 18-44 45-64 65+ Total

For Westchester Countyresidents, the hospital-ization rate for heartdisease among Blacks ofall ages was 10.5 per1,000 population ascompared to 13.3 per1,000 population amongWhites. However,Blacks in the 45-64 agegroup were hospitalizedwith heart disease at arate 1.6 times greaterthan Whites in the sameage group.

The overall hospitalizationrate for stroke was verysimilar for Blacks (3.2 per1,000 population) andWhites (3.0 per 1,000 pop-ulation) in Westchester.However, Blacks in the 45-64 age group were hospi-talized due to stroke at arate 2.4 times that forWhites in the same agegroup.

SOURCE: SPARCS 2002, NYS Department of HealthNOTE: Includes hospitalization with stroke listed as the principal diagnosis. Rate based on2000 Census population.

SOURCE: SPARCS 2002, NYS Department of Health

NOTE: Includes hospitalization with diseases of the heart listed as the principal diagnosis. Ratebased on 2000 Census population.

40

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

D IA GN OSED H YP ER T EN SION

White/Non-Hispanic 26.0% 25.5%

Black/Non-Hispanic 33.0% 28.8%

New York State United States

SOURCE: 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey

In New York State, 33% of Blacks responded that they had been diagnosed withhypertension by a doctor, nurse or health professional, as compared with 26% ofWhites, slightly more than the national statistics.

41

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

140.0

White 0.4 2.0 13.6 64.8 15.1

Black 0.6 8.2 48.2 132.4 26.0

0-17 18-44 45-64 65+ Total

Diabetes

For Westchester Countyresidents, the hospital-ization rate for diabetesamong Blacks was 26.0per 1,000 population ascompared to 15.1 per1,000 population amongWhites, a difference of1.7 times. This disparityis particularly evident inthe 18-44 and 45-64 agegroups.


NOTE: Includes hospitalization with diabetes listed as the principal and/or any secondary diagnosis. Rate based on 2000 Census population.

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

D IA GN OSED D IA B ET ES

White 6.5% 6.5%

Black 11.9% 10.0%



In New York State, the per-centage of Blacks respondingthat they had been diagnosedwith diabetes by a doctor,nurse or health professionalwas 1.8 times that of Whites,which is similar to nationalstatistics.

42

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

A GE A D JUST ED P R EVA LEN C E OF D IA GN OSED D IA B ET ES IN T H E U.S.

White 1.1% 8.6% 16.1% 14.5% 4.6%

Black 1.9% 13.8% 27.1% 20.4% 7.3%

0-44 45-64 65-74 75+ Total

SOURCE: National Diabetes Surveillance System, 2003

National data also indicate that this disparity impacts younger age groupsamong Blacks to a greater degree.

43

Asthma

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

H OSP IT A LIZ A T ION S F R OM A ST H M A

White 1.8 2.9 4.1 7.8 3.7

Black 4.7 7.3 14.1 17.1 8.8

0-17 18-44 45-64 65+ Total

For Westchester Countyresidents, the hospitaliza-tion rate for asthmaamong Blacks was 8.8 per1,000 population as com-pared to 3.7 per 1,000population amongWhites, a difference of 2.3times. This disparity isgreatest in the 45-64 agegroup; however, the ratefor Blacks is at least twotimes that for Whitesacross all age groups.


NOTE: Includes hospitalization with asthma listed as the principal and/or any secondary diagno-sis. Rate based on 2000 Census population.

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

16.0%

D IA GN OSED A ST H M A

White 11.0% 11.4%

Black 14.5% 11.0%



In New York State, 14.5% ofBlacks, as compared with 11.0%of Whites, responded that theyhad been diagnosed with asth-ma by a doctor, nurse or healthprofessional.

In the United States, the per-centage of Whites who indicat-ed this diagnosis was greaterthan among Blacks.

44

Mental Disorders

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

White 0.4 4.7 4.5 4.1 3.6

Black 2.0 12.5 8.8 5.5 8.0

0-17 18-44 45-64 65+ Total

For Westchester County residents, the hospitalization rate for mental dis-orders among Blacks was 8.0 per 1,000 population, 2.2 times higher thanWhites at 3.6 per 1,000 population. This disparity is particularly evidentamong the Black population aged 18-44.

NOTE: Includes hospitalization with selected mental health diagnoses (depression,bipolar disorder and schizophrenia only) listed as the principal and/or any secondarydiagnosis. Rate based on 2000 Census population.


45

Self Reported HealthStatus and Care: Whatthe U.S. and New York

State Data Tell Us

46

Self Reported Health Statusand Care: Voices of the BlackCommunity

“Lack of health care insurance. ”A Task Force Member

“Lack of health education and awareness. ”A Task Force Member

“The impact of high risk behavior does not resonate with some Blacks in Westchester. ”A Community Member

“Lack of access to medical facilities. ”A Task Force Member

“Many Black residents don’t take ownershipof their health. ” A Community Member

47

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthis the most shocking and inhumane. ”Martin Luther King Jr.

Self Reported Health Status and Care

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

Excellent 22.0 14.4

Very good 37.4 26.4

Good 28.4 36.5

Fair 9.0 17.3

Poor 3.2 5.4

White/Non-Hispanic Black/Non-Hispanic

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Yes 90.2 80.0

No 9.8 20.0

White/Non-Hispanic Black/Non-Hispanic


In New York State, 22.7% of Black/Non-Hispanics rated their general health asfair or poor, and 40.8% rated their health as very good or excellent. In compari-son, 12.2% of White/Non-Hispanics rated their overall health as fair or poor, and59.4% as very good or excellent.

Twenty percent of Black/Non-Hispanics aged 18-64 in New York State indicatedthat they do not have health insurance coverage.

48

Feedback from theCommunity and Task Force:Voices of the Black Community

“It’s difficult to find good, culturally compe-tent doctors that are part of many insuranceplans. ”

A Community Member

“Cost of medication is so expensive, choiceshave to be made between necessities. A uni-versal health plan is needed.”

A Community Member

“Eliminating health disparities in WestchesterCounty will require enhanced efforts at pre-venting disease, promoting health and deliver-ing appropriate care. This will necessitateimproved, culturally competent health careinterventions targeting African Americans. ”

A Task Force Member

49

Research Goals1. To create a snapshot of the Black population’s experience with healthcare in Westchester

County2. To gain a cursory understanding of healthcare disparities related to community based

agencies and healthcare organizations that serve the Black population in Westchester

Methodology

A. Time Frame September 19-October 7, 2005 (3 weeks)

B. Target Audiences

-Blacks in Westchester County – diverse demographics-Blue Ribbon Task Force Members-Black professionals-Faith-based institutions-Diverse health institutions: healthcare centers, hospitals, healthcare agencies-Educational institutions

C. Research Tools

The research tools included surveys, focus groups, interviews and other existing data

D. Sampling Notes

- “Voices of the Black Community,” the largest number of surveys in the sample (255), come from organizations, churches, advisory boards and health centers. The sample included 129 from health centers countywide and 126 from other organizations and agencies listed above. Not all questions were answered by each responder. The majorityof the research was conducted by survey, although focus groups and interviews were alsoutilized in select situations.

- Hospital Administrators and Healthcare Agencies Survey, used a customized questionnaire for their response.

- The Blue Ribbon Task Force Survey utilized a separate customized questionnaire.

Qualitative Research Overview

50

51

% of Total Total respondents 255 100% Female 189 74% Male 66 26% Age <20 3 2% 20s 24 13% 30s 29 16% 40s 50 27% 50s 30 16% 60s 24 13% 70 and older 25 14% Single 129 51% Married 71 28% Children 152 60% Note: base for age=185

Education Grade School 18 7% High School 99 39% Associates 35 14% Bachelors 26 10% Professional Degree 36 14% Grad School 35 14%

Income Less than $25k 114 45% $25-40k 46 18% $40-55k 26 10% $55-75k 20 8% $75-95k 14 5% $95k or more 22 9%

Overall Health Excellent 23 9% Very Good 75 29% Good 95 37% Fair 52 20% Poor 4 2%

continued....

Voices of the Black Community: Research Sample Summary

Health Coverage % of Total

Through job 87 34% Private coverage 16 6% Medicare 29 11% Medicaid 17 7% Other 19 7% Yes - has health coverage 182 71% Sees One Doctor/Prov. 191 75%

Where they go for treatment Primary care 102 40% Clinic 4 2% ER 7 3% Other Health Centers 5 2% Mt. Vernon NHC 37 15% Hudson River HC 35 14% Open Door HC 17 7%

Last time visited W/in 12 months 218 85% 12-24 months 8 3% Longer than 24 mos 10 4%

Diagnosed with:Heart disease 29 11% HIV/AIDS 2 1% Asthma 24 9% Diabetes 35 14% Cancer 8 3% Other - Hypertension, Hepatitis C, Arthritis 71 28%

Rating of experience: Score of 1-10 Avg rating 6.8 Rate 7 or higher 110 55% Rate between 4 - 6 62 31% Rate 3 or lower 28 14% Note: base=200

Health Care Disparity Yes 152 80% No 38 20% Note base=190

52

Qualitative Survery: Last time visited Healthcare Practitioner

W/in 12 months

93%

12-24 months

3%

Longer than 24 mos

4%

W/in 12 months 12-24 months Longer than 24 mos

53

Qualitative Survey: Overall Healthcare Experience Rating (1=low to 10=high)

Rate betw een 4 - 6

31%

Rate 3 or low er

14%

Rate 7 or higher

55%

Rate 7 or higher Rate betw een 4 - 6 Rate 3 or low er

54

Qualitative Survey: Personal Health Rating

Excellent

9%

Very Good

30%

Good

38%

Fair

21%

Poor

2%

Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor

55

Qualitative Survey: Is there Healthcare Disparity in Westchester County

Yes

80%

No

20%

Yes No

56

“Lower costs. Our healthcare insurance has risen over 25% for our out-of-pocket expenses.”

“My providers were originally in Manhattan when I moved to Westchester. I changed my providersfor the convenience. I found that the private practitioners in Westchester County that I encountereddid not make me “feel at home.” After five years, I returned back to my providers in the city.Although, I did not see anything that would indicate that Westchester providers weren’t clinicallycompetent, I felt there was no connection with me on a personal level. My encounters always feltsomehow distant.”

“The service received is very unprofessional. The Dental Department at the [hospital] is not friendly,the wait is from 1-2 hours. Confirmations for appointments are not made. When I request a referralfor my children, they say it’s been processed; however, come to find out, it was never written!”

“Some doctors are unable to care for patients with serious illness. It seems as though they do notrefer their patients to other providers when they are unable to properly care for their patients. Iwould rather see the physicians recognize their inabilities and take all necessary steps to care for theirpatients.”

“Good – but I demand good care from my provider if I’m not happy I voice that and find someonewho fits my needs.”

“The service at ER is horrible in [municipality], the doctor’s office can be quite a wait. The co-pay-ments and medicine from drug stores [are] high.”

“Blacks can’t afford healthcare!”

“My medical problems were diagnosed at the [agency]. The staff is caring and professional. I evenget reminder calls if I miss my appointments! Thank God for [staff member] and the [agency] .”

“I thank God for the [agency], they help me with my medication and my other doctors.”

“The [agency] has been a Godsend for me and my family.”

Voices of the Black Community

57

Hospital Administrators and AgencyAdministrators

1. Do you have a policy for reducing or eliminating healthcare disparity in the African-Americanpopulation served by your institution. If so, what is it.

[We do] not have a formal, written policy. We have certain practices in place, such as providing in-service programs for our professional staff, which are conducted by Black healthcare providers, andthe availability of language line to assist with one-to-one communication. – Health Care Agency

We have a major initiative to reduce health disparities for all minority and disadvantaged groups.This process includes reaching out to community groups, health education, cultural competence train-ing, health fairs, school based initiatives, etc. We also conduct a community service effort each yearwhere we interview members of the community and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to assesshow we are meeting the needs of the community and obtain suggestions for improvement. – Hospital

Yes, this is a business imperative. – Health Care Agency

No. - Hospital

2. Do you have a program in place that addresses healthcare disparity and the cultural needs of theBlack community? If so, what program(s) do you offer and how are they implemented?

In addition to our home-based services, we have a community outreach program .... that serves alarge segment of the Black community, utilizing African-American nurses. In our staff orientationprogram, sensitivity toward ethnic diversity is emphasized. We employ bicultural nurses, therapists,social workers and home health aides to care for our homebound patients. – Health Care Agency

We have various programs that are targeted toward African American men and women. Prostate cancer has a much higher incidence in the Black community. [We have a program] that encouragesmen to get tested and seek treatment for colon cancer when necessary. [We] support a group for menwho are in pre or post treatment; partner with [an area hospital] and with local churches. We havehelped to secure seed money to work with health programs, advocacy, and education. – Health CareAgency

58

3. Do you have a structure and plan for cultural competency training for agency personnel? If so,please give the title of the person(s) who are responsible for the cultural competency training, cur-riculum development, and how it is implemented.

Yes. Every staff member is required to go through competency training. This training is done for newhires and periodically with all tenured personnel. Managers get compensated based on diversitymeasures in their compensation plan. – Health Care Agency

No. – Health Care Agency

Yes. Our Vice President for Customer Service is responsible for this effort. We have provided train-ing programs on diversity and cultural competence. – Hospital

Yes. The Vice President of Human Resources initially implemented this with courses for all employ-ees; it is continued through employee orientation. – Hospital

4. What do you see as the key problems related to healthcare disparity for Blacks and what specif-ic recommendations do you have to remedy the problem?

Target education, and activate – educate on risks and activate to take action.Access to healthcare is a barrier as well as insurance. We are happy to know that the HealthDepartment provides free cancer screening. Testing and early detection are key actions to narrow theimpact of health disparities among Blacks. – Health Care Agency

See other responses – Health Care Agency

This is not an easy question. Barriers exist throughout the system. The barriers are the result of his-toric structural problems in the system . In addition, the lifestyle and compliance to suggested careregimens are often ignored. I suggest that the task force identify one or two areas where the Blackcommunity has a higher incidence of illness and focus attention on early detection and treatment inorder to achieve some success early in the process. – Hospital

Inadequate insurance inhibits access to healthcare on a timely manner and results in EmergencyDepartments frequently being used as the source of primary care. Focus should be placed on ensur-ing that Blacks take full advantage of all insurance programs available to them and that they establisha medical home. – Hospital

59

Task Force Member Survey Summary

1. What do you see as the fundamental reasons for health disparities among Blacks in Westchester County?

- Cost of services- Lack of health insurance- Lack of education -- wellness and prevention; promoting a health lifestyle- Disproportionate poverty- Lack of physician cultural sensitivity - Lack of Black physicians/Black hospital administrators- Policy makers and health care providers have limited knowledge on health disparities- Failure to provide equal, high quality care that is culturally appropriate- Being Black - Racism - Hospitals that [do not have] Blacks on Board of Trustees- Historic discrimination - Black person’s fear of learning they have a major medical illness- Denial that there is a health disparity problem- Transportation- Single-parent households - The poor are ashamed to ask for help

2. How do health disparities “show-up” or present themselves in the Black Community?

- Death rates- Higher incidence of chronic illnesses/diseases; disproportionate rates of HIV infection,

cancer, asthma, hospitalization, etc…- Emergency room visits- Shorter life expectancy- Late diagnosis- Quality of care; Black patients complain about negative attitudes of physicians; Blacks often

perceive barriers to health services and delay seeking care- Healthcare system emphasizes seeking care after an illness occurs rather than preventive

care- Inappropriate management of reporting illness- Blacks work long hours and can’t find time to see a medical provider- Blacks are less likely to have a primary care physician who is visited regularly - Lack of role model support- Dental health is very expensive

3. What specific recommendations do you have to remedy the problem of health disparities among Blacks in Westchester? Please include policy, services and any other areas that you feel noteworthy.

- Expansion of health education and outreach; raise awareness about minority health disparity; health literacy/awareness campaign focusing on Blacks

60

- Lobby for federal legislation for coverage for the poor and disadvantaged- Increase opportunities for minorities in health professions- Provide screenings to the Black community- Increase access to treatment- Establish patient navigation programs in Westchester- The Black community needs to be educated on what level of care is available, how to

navigate through healthcare and to access appropriate care; empower patients to take amore active role in their medical treatment

- Encourage, promote and support Black practitioners and administrators- Develop culturally competent health care interventions/partnerships targeting the Black

community; provide/encourage health education and access through faith-based organizations, community health centers, and other local African-American associations.

- Develop/expand new or existing mentoring program- Increase student body, faculty and Dean’s staff of colleges to improve the support,

mentoring, and nurturing of Black medical students; colleges should include culturalcompetence in curriculum; cultural training for physicians, hospitals, health agencies, etc…

- Multidisciplinary teams should be implemented in hospitals and healthcare clinics- Hospital Board of Trustees need to include the Black community- Hospitals in Westchester need to employ Black social workers- Hospitals in Westchester need to create a Black Patients Quality Assurance Office- The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) needs to

set up a special category entitled Black Patients Quality of Care Unit- Support Health Centers in Westchester by helping to finance expansion of services and

by providing funding to cover the cost of special testing and surgery of Black patients- Develop a plan for Affordable Housing for Black Families- Universal healthcare- Encouraging employers to find ways to provide insurance for employees- Lower income guidelines for insurance plans (Medicaid/Medicare) - Increase advertising/marketing efforts

4. Do you have specific recommendations on how the Task Force should proceed with regard to accomplishing our mission?

- Establish subcommittees to develop a strategy and practical timeline with goals that can be measured

- Need to understand what policies are already in place; need to discuss policy changes; evaluateexisting resources/review areas to expand

- Be open about discussing race/ethnicity and how it impacts medical care in our community- Encourage the Health Department to hold joint news conferences with Black public officials - Reach out to Black physicians and administrators- Develop culturally sensitive health care standards- Create legal safeguards- Develop countywide mentoring program- Facilitate health coverage enrollment in Black Community- The Department of Health needs to create an office of Black Patients Quality of Health Care- Create Office of Minority Affairs- Provide mobile clinics that can go into Black communities- Identify one or two areas where the Black community has a higher incidence of illness and focusattention on early detection and treatment

61

- Partnering with agencies to address health disparity issues- The Department of Health should create an office dedicated to black patients quality of health care,

headed by a qualified, board certified physician with the title of Deputy Commissioner of Health.- Identify where low-income Black families are located and target services to them- Survey local hospitals on how to accommodate for low-income, uninsured Blacks - Reach out to Black families- Benchmark other communities who have had success with this issue- Identify and create a list of culturally relevant caregivers- Develop a pilot project of time-limited program that can be evaluated- More dialogue is needed- Accurate date needs to be provided and evaluated

62

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63

Blacks in Health Care: Voices ofthe Black Community

“There is a shortage of Black doctors inWestchester, especially in specialty areas, ie.orthopedics, etc.”

A Community Member

“In my practice, African Americans may driveup to 100 miles to see me because I am anAfrican American physician. ”

A Task Force Member

64

“The issues education, access, and policy aremajor themes under which goals and actionscan be grouped. ”

A Task Force Member

Wes

tche

ster

Blu

e Ri

bbon

Tas

k Fo

rce

for t

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limin

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n of

Hea

lth D

ispa

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s am

ong

Blac

ks

Hea

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Blac

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Wes

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Cou

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Task

For

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erce

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and

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-po

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the

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um o

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quir

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ts fo

r med

ical

stu

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s, h

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care

pro

vide

rs o

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icy

mak

ers

· La

ck o

f phy

sici

an e

xper

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and

time

spen

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sing

com

plex

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Bla

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and

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sts

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requ

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itatio

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· La

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to c

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ack

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of B

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lead

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ship

pos

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med

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depa

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culty

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aren

ess

and

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n of

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sto

add

ress

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lth d

ispa

rity

in th

e Bl

ack

com

-m

unity

at i

nstit

utio

ns a

ffilia

ted

with

hea

lth-

care

· C

ultu

ral C

ompe

tenc

y is

not

trea

ted

as a

busi

ness

impe

rativ

e w

ith s

peci

fic g

oals

,ob

ject

ives

and

eva

luat

ion

mec

hani

sms

· La

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vern

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mon

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car

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ajor

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ysic

ian

offic

es

65

Blacks in Health Care: What the Data Tell Us

66

Blacks in Health Care

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES IN THE "PROFESSIONALS" CATEGORY IN

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

12.8%

87.2%

Black/Non-Hispanic Other

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES IN THE "TECHNICIANS" CATEGORY IN

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

31.3%

68.7%


POPULATION IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

13.6%

86.4%


SOURCES: Equal EmploymentOpportunity 2005 Employer InformationReport; U.S. Census 2000

In Westchester County, 12.8%of hospital employees classifiedas Professionals and 31.3% ofemployees classified asTechnicians are Black/ Non-Hispanic.

According to the 2000 USCensus, 13.6% of WestchesterCounty’s population isBlack/Non-Hispanic.

67

*See Appendices 2 and 3 for job titles considered in each category.

68

Students in Westchester County Nursing Programs

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

Black 52.4% 30.6%

Other 47.6% 69.4%

Baccalaureate degree programs Graduate level programs

n=3 n=2

Over 50% of students attending undergraduate nursing programs and approxi-mately 30% of students in graduate level nursing programs in WestchesterCounty schools are Black.

SOURCE: Survey of Westchester County Nursing Schools, 2005

69

Hospital and Community Physicans, Staff Nurses and Board of Directors

in Westchester County

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Other 82.5% 94.0% 93.1% 93.1%

Black 17.5% 6.0% 6.9% 6.9%

Staff PhysiciansCommunity

PhysiciansStaff Nurses

Board of

Directors

Source: Survey of Westchester County Hospitals, 2005

A survey of Westchester County hospitals indicates that 17.5% of physicians and6.9% of nurses on staff are Black. For community physicians providing services atWestchester County hospitals, the survey indicates that 6% are Black. For membersof Boards of Directors/Trustees, 6.9% are Black.

Nationally, 6.1% of physicians and surgeons and 10.1% of registered nurses areBlack.*

NOTE: Seven of the 11 Westchester County acute-care hospitals provided data in response to the request for information. Thus, these data may not be representative of Westchester County hospitals as a whole.

*Source: US Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2006.

N 223 4787 4895 144

70

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Other 86.2% 87.4% 97.3% 87.1% 94.7% 80.9% 78.8% 95.2% 100.0%

Black 13.8% 12.6% 2.7% 12.9% 5.3% 19.1% 21.2% 4.8% 0.0%

Administrator

s/M anagers*IM /GP** Oncology*** Cardiology***

Endocrinology

***OB/GYN***

General

Surgery***Pediatrics*** Psychiatry***

SOURCE: Survey of Westchester County Acute Care Hospitals, 2006

A survey of Westchester County hospitals indicates that 13.8% of administrative andmanagerial staff are Black. For physicians providing services at Westchester Countyhospitals, the survey indicates that the percentage of Internists/General Physicians(12.6%), Cardiologists (12.9%), Obstetrician/Gynecologists (19.1%) and GeneralSurgeons (21.2%) is similar or greater than the percentage of Blacks in the WestchesterCounty population (14.2%). The percentage of specialists practicing Oncology,Endocrinology and Pediatrics who are Black is much lower than Westchester County’sBlack population. There are no Psychiatrists who are Black practicing in the WestchesterCounty hospitals that were able to provide information in response to the survey.

* Data for Administrators/Managers were provided by six of the 11 Westchester County acute carehospitals.

** Data for Internists/General Physicians were available for five of the 11 Westchester County acutecare hospitals.

*** Data for all other specialists were available for four of the 11 Westchester County acute care hospitals.

NOTE: Physicians may be counted in more than one category.

Westchester County HospitalsManagerial Staff

Recommendations from theTask Force: Voices of the BlackCommunity

“Provide universal health care and access totreatment irrespective of ability to pay, particularly for lethal diseases such as cancer. ”

A Task Force Member

“Encourage, promote and support AfricanAmerican private practitioners and administra-tors. Develop partnerships with organizationscommitted to improving health such as theAmerican Heart Association, National StrokeAssociation, American Diabetes Foundation,etc. ” A Task Force Member

71

“The disparity we often see is based not on ethnic factors but more specifically on socio-economic forces. ”

A Hospital Administrator

Recommendations from theTask Force: Voices of the BlackCommunity

“Have mobile clinics augment neighborhoodhealth centers and go into different communi-ties bringing care to elderly and confined populations. ”

A Task Force Member

“Identify one or two areas where the Blackcommunity has a higher incidence of illnessand focus attention on early detection andtreatment in order to achieve some successearly in the process. ”

A Task Force Member

“Partner with Black clergy of Westchester, public housing organizations, fraternities,sororities, etc. to accomplish our mission. ”

A Task Force Member

72

73

Appendices

74

Appendix 1: Health Planning Regions

LO

NG

ISLAN

DSO

UN

D

Southeast

Bronxville Pelham

Eastchester Pelham Manor

Mt. Vernon Tuckahoe

New Rochelle

East Central

Harrison Port Chester

Larchmont Rye

Mamaroneck(T) Rye Brook

Mamaroneck(V)

Northeast

Bedford North Salem

Lewisboro Pound Ridge

Mt. Kisco Somers

New Castle Yorktown

North Castle

West Central

Ardsley Irvington

Dobbs Ferry Scarsdale

Elmsford Tarrytown

Greenburgh White Plains

Hastings on Hudson

Southwest

Yonkers

Northwest

Briarcliff Manor Ossining (T)

Buchanan Ossining (V)

Cortlandt Peekskill

Croton on Hudson Pleasantville

Mt. Pleasant Sleepy Hollow

75

Appendix 2: Categories of Titles Considered Professional

Adult Nurse PractitionerAssociate Directors of DivisionsAssociate PlannerAssist Chief of ServicesAssistant Coordinator, Emergency Medical ServicesAssistant Directors of DivisionsAssistant Environmental BacteriologistAssistant Forensic ScientistAssistant Medical PhysicistAssistant Manager, Patient AccountsAssistant MicrobiologistAssistant PathologistAssistant Medical ExaminerAssistant Supervisor of VolunteersAssistant ToxicologistAudiologistAuditing SpecialistBiochemistBiomedical EngineerCase ManagersChief CytogeneticistChiefs of DepartmentsChemist TraineeClinical PsychologistConsultant NutritionistConsultant Occupational TherapistConsultant Public Health NurseCoordinators of ServicesDietetic Technicians and TraineesDirectors of ServicesFood Production SupervisorsFood Service ManagersForensic ScientistsHistologistHealth Care AdministratorsHospital PharmacistManager, Social ServicesMedical Data AnalystMedical LibrarianMedical Social Workers, AssistantsMicrobiologistNurses, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Instructor of Nursing, Nurse Clinicians,

Nurse Epidemiologist. Operating Room Nurse

Appendix 2: Categories of Titles Considered Professional

76

NutritionistOccupational Alcoholism SpecialistOccupational TherapistOrthoptistPathologist, Medical Examiner, Associate and Assistant Medical ExaminerPhysical TherapistPhysician, Medical Intern, Extern, Resident, FellowPhysicians AssistantPlannerPodiatristProgram AdministratorsProgram CoordinatorsProgram SpecialistsPsychiatrist, Psychiatric Intern, Psychology AssistantPublic Health NurseRadiation Physicist; Radiation Safety SpecialistRecreation Therapy Supervisor; Recreational TherapistRegistered Respiratory TherapistResearch AnalystResearch ScientistRisk ManagerSocial Workers, Psychiatric Social Workers, Social Caseworker, Social Work Consultant (Medical and

Psychiatric), Senior Medical Social WorkerSpeech and Language PathologistSenior DieticianSenior Forensic ScientistsSenior Medical Genetics CounselorSenior Medical TechnicianSenior MicrobiologistSenior PsychologistSenior ToxicologistSenior VirologistStaff Development SpecialistStaff DietitianStaff NutritionistStaff Occupational TherapistSupervising Staff professionalsToxicologist, Toxicologist Specialist, Toxicology TraineeUtilization CoordinatorVirologist

Source: EEOC

Appendix 3: Categories of Titles Considered Technical

Anesthesiology TechnicianAssistant Chief Respiratory TherapistAssistant Supervisory Dialysis TechnicianAssistant Utilization CoordinatorAutopsy Assistant and Autopsy Assistant TraineeBiomedical TechnicianBurn TechnicianCertified Respiratory TherapistCharge Practical NurseDental AssistantDental HygienistDosimetristIntermediate Nursing Aide Intermediate Psychiatric AideJunior Laboratory TechnicianJunior Nursing AideJunior Psychiatric AideLab Assistant; Lab TechnicianLead X-Ray Technician (specialty area)Medical AssistantMedical PhotographerNon-Invasive TechnologistNurse MidwifeNurse Aide, TrainingOccupational Therapy Aide, Occupational Therapy AssistantPatient Care Technician (specialty area)PerfusionistPhlebotomistPhysiotherapy AidePractical Nurse (specialty)Recreation LeaderRespiratory Therapy TechnicianSenior Technician (specialty area)Senior Aide (specialty area)Student nurse, Student Practical NurseStudent Social WorkerSupervising Dialysis TechnicianSurgical Physician AssistantSurgical TechnicianTechnical Specialist (specialty area)Ultrasonography TechnilogistX-Ray Technician

Source: EEOC

77

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