Target: Xavier Becerra, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Goal: Prevent healthcare deficiencies from adversely impacting well-being of minority patients.
Recent attention has come to the reported misdiagnosis of one form of diabetes—latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA)—as the more common Type 2 diabetes. As many as 10 percent of Type 2 cases may actually be LADA which–if left untreated–can cause severe effects, including death. The rate of misdiagnoses is particularly pronounced among Black populations.
Patients have reported being brushed aside by doctors when questions were asked or follow-up attempted concerning a diagnosis. Worse yet, the improper diagnosis often leads to lack of access to critical medications, treatments, and basic information. Unfortunately, this disparity is part of a larger trend of inequities when minorities seek needed healthcare.
Sign the petition below to urge the nation’s leading health agency to do more to address these inequities that directly impact well-being.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Becerra,
Racial disparities in America’s healthcare system are impacting a broad range of patient needs, from maternal care to treatment of chronic illnesses. Recent reporting regarding an inordinate amount of misdiagnoses of Type 2 diabetes among Black populations reinforces the scope of the problem. Both private sector businesses and federal organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have attempted to address the issue. And this very organization launched action plans to reduce healthcare disparities over a decade ago.
Given the current state of affairs, it appears these plans have been falling short. Please put renewed effort into reviving these important priorities and do everything in your power to truly make healthcare equal for every American.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Alex Green
171 Signatures