Medical Minute with Dr. Rob Gillio
National Minority Health Month: Disparities are Real

It’s April and it’s National Minority Health Month.

Hi, I’m Dr. Rob Gillio, the Chief Medical Officer at the Force for Health Network. April’s National Minority Health Month.

A time to raise awareness about health disparities that impact racial and ethnic minority groups across the country, and then indirectly affect everyone. It’s not about awareness and diversity. It’s about helping everyone because everyone benefits.

Health outcomes are not the same for everyone. Communities of color often face higher rates of chronic illness and lower access to healthcare. Black Americans are more likely to have diabetes. Hispanic adults are more likely to be uninsured. Native American populations experiencing higher rates of heart disease and systemic factors like poverty, food deserts, and housing conditions play a major role. But we can change this.

Everyone out there, start by knowing your numbers, your blood pressure, your blood sugar, your cholesterol. Support providers who reflect and understand your community. Advocate for fair policies and education, housing and healthcare access and uplift.

Local program that meet people where they are and help them.

Let’s remove the barriers, the social determinants, um, that get in the way of a healthier future, and let’s build a healthier future for all.

I’m Dr. Rob. Stay informed. Take action and be a force or health.

Thank you.