“The legacy of slavery still shadows the American health-care system The inequalities of the health system were built in from the beginning,” said former Harvard College Dean Evelynn M. Hammonds.

The legacy of slavery as a persistent issue in the U.S. healthcare system is a complex and deeply rooted problem that stems from historical injustices and systemic inequalities. This issue manifests in various ways, including disparities in health outcomes, access to healthcare, and the overall well-being of African Americans. The roots of this issue trace back to the era of Slavery, where ancestors of African Americans endured harsh living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and limited access to basic healthcare. Slaves faced a higher susceptibility to diseases, leading to negative health outcomes and higher mortality rates. This not only affected slaves, but continues to affect African American descendants negatively. In the modern healthcare system, the legacy of slavery is reflected in persistent health disparities between African Americans and white Americans. Several factors contribute to these disparities, including socio- economic inequalities, lack of access to quality healthcare, discriminatory practices, and historical mistrust of the healthcare system among African Americans. These persistent health disparities among African Americans in the U.S. are deeply intertwined with the historical legacy of slavery. Recognizing and addressing this legacy is essential for creating a more equitable and just healthcare system.

Submitted as part of the BMS-515 Public Health and US Healthcare System course for MUCOM Research Day.

Creator

• Foley, Kash’Mir

Language

• English

Keyword

• African Americans

• health disparities

• systemic inequality

• healthcare access

• slavery

Date created

• 2023

Resource type

• Poster

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/