And second, because we already have good baseline data in these six areas to help us monitor progress in reducing the disparities. Of course not. And we have no illusions as we begin our work toward the President s goals. We know that these health disparities often mirror inequalities in income and education among groups so much so that income and education often serve as proxy measures for health status. In general, groups with higher rates of illness and death have higher poverty rates and less education.
Higher incomes allow access to medical care, better housing and safer neighborhoods.
More education gives individuals more access to information that promotes health-enhancing habits and behaviors. But doing this is the right thing to do. And there are many things we can and will do to meet the President s goals. Reducing disparities is more a matter of human cooperation than scientific inspiration. Those of us who help set national health policy must reach out to create real and meaningful partnerships with community health officials and professionals.