As proposed, the grants would require matching funds from recipient communities, said Annie Neasman, director of the state health department's Division of Family Health Services. Many factors contribute to a poorer level of public health among Florida's minorities, state officials say. A gap in knowledge about preventing disease and illness. And even if a patient does receive information about prevention, there may be cultural differences between the health care provider and patient that prevent the patient from using that information, officials say. You can talk to a family about not eating saturated fats, but if they come from a culture that includes fried food . . .
Several statistics reflect an apparent gap in health care between minorities and whites.
In 1998, there were 6.7 white infant deaths and 14.3 non-white infant deaths for every 1,000 births. Health officials have said reasons for the disparity have not been studied enough. But the disparity appears related to prenatal health. Pennick said he sees a need for continuing education about disease prevention and testing. For instance, people need to know that if they are becoming more sluggish, or if they have less endurance, they might have high blood pressure and should see a doctor.