$1M grant to address health disparities among Hispanics in central Pa
Penn State’s College of Medicine received $1 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities among Hispanic populations in Dauphin, Lebanon, Berks and York counties.
The funding is for the first year in the five-year CDC Racial and Ethics Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program.
“As Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution coupled with our wellness mission at the College of Medicine, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians and beyond,” said Dr. Jennifer Kraschnewski. “Our Hispanic community experiences significant health disparities, including a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.”
Kraschnewiski said the disparities have multiple causes and support from the funding will allow the College of Medicine to collaboratively address the systemic issues.
“We are looking forward to working with our community partners and coalitions to address health disparities and people disadvantaged by the system,” she said.
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke are among the most common causes of illness, disability, and death in the United States. Penn State College of Medicine said they are also leading drivers of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care costs. These chronic conditions and the factors that lead to them are more common or severe for some racial and ethnic groups.
Central Pennsylvania has multiple minority-majority Hispanic cities and rural locations that struggle with health disparities, chronic disease, and access to vaccination education and services. The College of Medicine said it will work with partners and local coalitions to enhance existing resources, address Pennsylvania’s Hispanic health needs, and reduce health disparities.
“CDC is excited to announce this new REACH funding to 41 communities across 27 states and the District of Columbia,” said Terry O’Toole, program development and evaluation branch chief in CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity. “With this funding, organizations will plan and carry out local, culturally appropriate programs to address a wide range of health issues among racial and ethnic minority groups where health gaps remain. REACH intends to improve health where people live, learn, work, and play.”