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What is a "health disparity"?

Good health should be an equal opportunity for all populations, regardless of race, ethnicity and other factors. Yet statistics show that minorities not only have a higher risk of developing conditions like diabetes and cancer, but they are also more likely to die from these conditions. A health disparity (or inequality) occurs when members of one population group do not enjoy the same health status as other groups—for example, they may have a higher incidence of a certain disease. Disparities are determined and measured by three health statistics:

• Incidence
• Mortality
• Survival rate

Health disparities are most often identified along racial and ethnic lines but may also involve biological, environmental and behavioral factors, as well as differences noted on the basis of income and education.

OHDR Fact Sheet

NIH fact sheet on health disparities

AHRQ National Healthcare Disparities report

CDC Strategies for Reducing Health Disparities

HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

Addressing health disparities

Mayo Clinic is engaged in a wide range of activities to identify and address health disparities. Some of these projects are collaborations with community organizations, while others involve clinical and basic research studies. The Office of Health Disparities Research:

• Oversees projects at Mayo Clinic and in communities to identify and eliminate health disparities
• Ensures community input on Mayo Clinic’s research program to achieve diversity and make a meaningful impact on human health
• Supports the work of over 130 Mayo Clinic scientists who conduct health disparities research with:
  • funding for Pilot Projects
  • information on research opportunities
  • resources to help ensure diverse populations are involved in research activities
• Serves as a "front door" for community collaborators, research sponsors, and scientists at other institutions
• Leverages other Mayo Clinic health disparities initiatives, such as the Office for Community Engagement in Research, and efforts within the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
• Serves as a point of engagement with other Mayo Clinic diversity and inclusion programs

Diversity and inclusion at Mayo Clinic