Mortality- The state of being subject to death, especially on a large scale. In this case, mortality is focused on African Americans with increased death rates due to reduced healthcare, substandard care, and poor health literacy.  

Physician Distrust-  Lack of trust or suspicion of clinicians and healthcare systems that correlates with race/ethnicity and perceived discrimination. One of the most common studies found that black Americans are consistently undertreated for pain compared to white patients.

Poverty- The state of not having enough money to meet basic needs, including food, clothing, and shelter, let alone being able to afford proper food and nutrition to remain healthy. Poverty is highly correlated to poor health outcomes such as heart disease, obesity, and higher blood pressure.

Health Disparities- Refers to the differences in health outcomes between different groups, such as racial or ethnic groups. These are differences in achieving optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. 

Structural racism- Refers to ways in which racism is embedded in social, economic, and political systems and institutions, which ultimately leads to unequal access to resources and opportunities. They come from deep patterns of social, economic, and cultural differences that have developed over time between different groups of people. 

How can we promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles in the African American community? Can education, programs, and policies take play in promoting health and preventing disease?

How do access to healthcare and health insurance coverage affect the health outcomes of African Americans?

Homes, United Methodist. “Medicare vs. Medicaid: The Differences You Should Know.” Senior Living Communities, www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/medicare-vs-medicaid#:~:text=Medicare%20and%20Medicaid%20have%20many,for%20different%20groups%20of%20people. 

McWhinney, James. “Medicare vs. Medicaid: What's the Difference?” Investopedia, Investopedia, www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/medicare-vs-medicaid.asp.

“Medicare and Medicaid Are Important to African Americans.” NCPSSM, 29 Jan. 2021, www.ncpssm.org/documents/medicare-policy-papers/medicare-medicaid-important-african-americans/#:~:text=Medicaid%20is%20an%20especially%20important,in%20coverage%20gaps%20in%20Medicare. 

“Medicare Has Changed for 2023. Here's What Is New.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2023, www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-02-04/heres-what-is-new-for-medicare-in-2023#:~:text=Everyone%20pays%20a%20Part%20B,down%20from%20%24233%20in%202022.

“The Parts of Medicare (A, B, C, D).” Medicare Interactive, 24 Jan. 2022, www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-basics/medicare-coverage-overview/original-medicare.