Preface

Abstract

Health Disparities Among Under-served Populations: Implications for Research, Policy and Praxis is a volume widely anticipated, focusing on a topic of national concern. Moreover, it is a volume that is entirely fitting for the series Advances in Education in Diverse Communities: Research, Policy and Praxis. In this series, education is not limited to the formal institutional processes of schooling, but education is defined as a way of knowing and learning, as a means to become better informed about the profound challenges affecting humankind. Because of our aging populations, there are few social welfare issues more daunting than health care, not only in the United States, but globally as well. For those who are fortunate, America affords some of the best health care in the world. For those less fortunate, the corrosive impact of race, class, and gender, that is the combined social stratification effects on health and illness, are often insurmountable. From a humane perspective, the issue of caring for the sick and infirmed should be a part of any advanced nation's social welfare safety net. Health Disparities Among Under-served Populations: Implications for Research, Policy and Praxis illustrates compellingly and literally the status of health and health care of African Americans, Latinos, and American Indians, with particular focus on children and adolescents. In so doing, this volume boldly paints a vivid portrait of diverse communities who are “down and out,” as they strive to cope in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. Do read this gripping, yet illuminating volume and become informed. Then, I challenge you to act, to overcome the dire social, political, and economic consequences of ignoring the welfare and basic provisions of health care for those less fortunate in our society.

Citation

Camp Yeakey, C. (2012), "Preface", Notaro, S.R. (Ed.) Health Disparities Among Under-served Populations: Implications for Research, Policy and Praxis (Advances in Education in Diverse Communities, Vol. 9), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, p. xv. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-358X(2012)0000009004