THE CRISIS OF MEDICAL-CARE IN THE UNITED-STATES - IMPLICATIONS OF A CANADIAN TYPE HEALTH PLAN FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS

There is some consensus in the country among politicians, consumers, and consumer advocates that the American health system is in a state of crisis and in need of reform. Although most Americans have felt the effects of this crisis, African Americans historically have been harder hit. Compared to other Americans, African Americans are faring less well on all of the quality of life indicators, including life expectancy and infant mortality. The poor health status of African Americans is related to a number of factors, including a history of individual and institutional racism in the health care delivery system, the astronomical rise in the cost of health care, the financial crisis of the public hospital system, and the current trends toward the closing or relocation of health care facilities in areas where there is a heavy concentration of African Americans. If health care reform is to have any meaning for African Americans, these issues must be addressed.