Group addresses question of health disparities

  

March 27, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A call to action was issued Friday from African-American and Latino groups over what they called alarming health disparities affecting their communities.

The collaborative group called Communities United Against Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.. says African-Americans and Latinos suffer higher instances of HIV/AIDS, diabetes, obesity and mental health ailments.

Social and public health experts from those communities say the disparities need to be recognized as an epidemic.

"The disparities exist because of inequalities...and the problem has to addressed from that perspective," said Dr. Jose Lopez, a social empowerment expert.

The group stresses the need for programs to address health concerns in their communities and to highlight the importance of good nutrition and exercise.

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