By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
We don’t live in a perfect world. Some are richer, some poorer. Some simply have better luck. But one injustice we can – and must – change is the health inequality in our society. Observed in April every year, National Minority Health Month shines a light on the disparities in health among different races and ethnicities and the changes we can all make to help ensure everyone has the same access to the care they need – and receives the same quality of care when they do.
The facts
The sad truth is that in many places, white people have much better health outcomes than those from ethnic minorities. Data from the US in 2021 showed that life expectancy for Black people was only 70.8 years compared to 76.4 years for white people.
Those from ethnic minorities are more likely to die from serious illness than white patients. Data from 2019 found that Black adults have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for most major cancers. Black adults are also twice as likely to die from diabetes and 30% more likely to die from heart disease – this is something that is reflected in Bermuda.
What can we do about it?
As pharmacists, we play a key role in ensuring everyone has access to the education, information and care they need to live healthy lives. We are easily accessible for everyone in the community, whether they need plasters in multiple skin colours like J&J Band-Aid Our Tone, or guidance on serious conditions like diabetes.
By creating a space where people from all ethnicities and backgrounds are welcome, we help break down barriers to care and encourage people’s engagement in their own health. From providing expert advice on medications, to helping new moms stock up the diaper bag with Desitin or Daktarin cream, Tylenol or Ibuprofen drops and taking the time to check in with customers picking up their regular prescriptions, we support and encourage everyone to lead their healthiest lives.
But you don’t have to be a healthcare professional to help out. Community can play a significant role in ensuring those facing barriers to healthcare can access what they need, so take the time to support those around you. Speak up if you witness discrimination or have an idea to make your local health setting more accessible. And make sure to check your own biases too. We all have them and it’s important we challenge them.
If you or someone around you is experiencing health inequality, speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible. We’re here to support everyone in living happy and healthy lives.
Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.
