Effective community programs to fight health disparities.

Abstract

Eliminating disparities in health status and health care has been an area of substantial interest and programming among health funders at the national, state, and local levels for well over a decade. As we draw closer to the Healthy People 2010 deadline for eliminating disparities, the latest findings from research and ongoing experience on the ground allow us to assess the progress being made on this critical goal. Engaging with communities in their fight against disparities is also becoming increasingly important to funders. Examples of strategies and interventions provide a framework of practical steps to success that can be used in funders' efforts to eliminate health disparities.