Why We're Here

Research has demonstrated that nonwhite populations in the United States bear a disproportionate burden of disease, injury, premature death, and disability.  These disparities in health care which occur across a wide range of medical conditions, impose a tremendous burden on individuals and communities, and account for considerable costs to our society as a whole. 

A 2007 issue brief from The Center for Health Care Strategies clearly states that a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder strategy is needed to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care delivery.  The report states, “Progress in the area of racial and ethnic health disparities requires the engagement of the entire health care stakeholder community — purchasers, managed care organizations, providers, consumers, and community-based organizations.” 

CCCH believes that health care institutions cannot solve the disparity issue alone.  Nor should they be expected to.   In the same way communities should not and can not bear all the burden for these disparities.  A one size fits all approach won’t work either.   

• Too often solutions to health disparities are proposed based on unproven assumptions of the communities’ wants and needs, without the involvement from the impacted community. 
• Unproven, unsolicited solutions waste time and money, increase frustration and ultimately decrease quality of care. 
• Authentic engagement, participation and partnership lay the foundation for sustainable change. 

In a poll conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, respondents said that working with minority communities so they can get the care they need, helping minorities take part in treatment decisions and empowering patients were key steps to eliminating health disparities.

What will work to address disparities and improve health equity?  A broad, multi-stakeholder strategy which acknowledges the best outcomes are achieved when all of the stakeholders act together to identify the problem and generate the solution.   

Social Determinants of Health, Root Causes, and Moving Upstream

The fact is Inequality kills. 

After years of limited success in improving the health of all Minnesotans our community must intentionally address the root causes of poor health. Only then, do we believe, will we be able to make real progress toward becoming a healthier state.  Only then will we be able to decrease our rates of morbidity, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. 

What are the Root Causes of Poor Health?                                                             
According to the PBS documentary series Unnatural Causes:  Is Inequality making us sick?  the root causes of poor health include: 

• Low social status
• Poverty
• Racism
• Being a recent immigrant and social exclusion
• Unemployment
• Neighborhood blight and violence
• Oppression

The Center is registered with the State of Minnesota as a 501(3)(c) non-profit.