Healthcare disparities pervasive across state, report finds

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

From one end of Massachusetts to the other, Hispanics and African-Americans disproportionately bear the burden of disease and violence, according to a report released today that provides the most detailed account ever of healthcare disparities in the state.

The study from the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services examined trends in five regions and found, for example, that Hispanics living on the western edge of Massachusetts are the most likely to die from AIDS, with a death rate 10 times above the state average. In a swath of central Massachusetts that includes Worcester, black babies were less likely to reach their first birthdays than children elsewhere, with an infant mortality rate four times the statewide average.

"The thing I find most striking about the report is that disparities are very pervasive across the state," said Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, health secretary in the administration of Governor Deval Patrick. "In previous reports, when you just look at the data for all of Massachusetts, people make assumptions" about where problems exist.

"But if you look at every region of the state, disparities are pervasive everywhere."

At the same time that the report was released, the Patrick administration announced $1 million in grants to 42 clinics, hospitals, and community groups that will be used to combat healthcare disparities. The grants will allow Worcester's health department to open an office of healthcare equity, pay for a van that helps consumers better understand the complexities of doctor's recommendations, and develop methods for better educating patients about diabetes.

A full copy of the report is available online at mass.gov/dph.