Listening to Black Californians

Vesper Society believes a just society begins when everyone is well and respected as a human being. As Black History Month comes to a close, we share with you a recent study conducted by the California Health Care Foundation, “Listening to Black Californians: How the Health Care System Undermines Their Pursuit of Good Health.

This study included in-depth interviews with 100 Black Californians, 18 focus groups, a statewide survey completed by 3,325 adult Black Californians. Here are the key findings.

Black Californians are highly intentional in their pursuit of physical and mental health.

Most Black Californians are insured, have a regular provider, and have had at least one visit with a health care provider in the last year.

Nearly one in three Black Californians has been treated unfairly by a health care provider because of their race or ethnicity.

More than one in four Black Californians avoids care due to concerns that they will be treated unfairly or with disrespect.

Many Black Californians adopt measures to mitigate potential negative experiences in preparation for a health care visit.

Black Californians agree on the importance of strengthening the patient-provider relationship.

Black Californians have clear opinions on how to make the health care system work better for them.

We encourage you to learn more by reading the publication: Listening to Black Californians: How the Health Care System Undermines Their Pursuit of Good Health – California Health Care Foundation (chcf.org)

As one Black focus group participant from the Central Valley stated: “I think by having more Black people represented in the health care profession and in those positions of power and able to make the changes that we need for us…will allow us to have our voices heard and our concerns addressed better in the health care system.”

When we have more long-term solutions in view, we are closer to realizing the potential for healthy communities to thrive and prosper.