One of the most basic principles of public health is that all people have a right to health. Unfortunately, a right to health does not guarantee good health or equivalent health status amongst people. Although the term “disparities” is often interpreted to mean racial or ethnic disparities, many dimensions of disparities exist in the United States, particularly in health. If a health outcome is seen in a greater or lesser extent between populations, there is disparity. Race, ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, age, disability, socioeconomic status, and geographic location all contribute to an individual’s ability to achieve good health.
The purpose of this assignment is to consider the historic background of health disparities. You will also relate this history to the current state of healthcare, changes that have occurred over time and changes that are still needed in public health.
Using the readings for this module, Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, respond to the following:
Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references.
Write your initial response in approximately 200 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.