Report: Healthcare System is Failing Black Californians

The average life expectancy of Black Californians is six years shorter (75) than the statewide average (81).

Despite their efforts to embrace a healthy lifestyle, Black Californians say they're discouraged by the systemic racism and bias plaguing the state's healthcare delivery system, a new poll shows.

The California Health Care Foundation's study -- Listening to Black Californians: How the Health Care System Undermines Their Pursuit of Good Health --  lists recommendations on what healthcare stakeholders can do to promote equitable care in a state where the average life expectancy of Black Californians is six years shorter (75) than the statewide average (81).

"What we found in this study is of no surprise to any Black person who has navigated our health care system," says Katherine Haynes, senior program officer for CHCF's People-Centered Care team. "The study demonstrates exactly how much Black Californians are doing in pursuit of good health and the clear vision they have for addressing racism in health care and health systems. However, we need those who hold power within these systems to be partners in this vision."

The study, conducted by the Black-owned public opinion research firm EVITARUS, surveyed 3,325 Black California adults, and included interviews with 100 Black Californians, and 18 statewide focus groups, and is one of the largest studies focused on the health care experiences of Black Californians to date.

According to the survey:

• Nearly one in three Black Californians has been treated unfairly by a provider because of their race or ethnicity.
   
• Most Black Californians report putting a great deal or quite a bit of effort into getting appropriate screenings or preventive care (77%) and focusing on their mental health (79%).
   
• Two-thirds (66%) of Black Californians report researching a health condition or concern before meeting with a provider, and 35% say they have tailored their speech and/or behavior to make a provider feel at ease.
   
• Black Californians who identify as women, LGBTQIA+, or who have a physical disability or mental illness are more likely to report experiencing racism and inadequate pain treatment.

Survey participants offered several ways to improve healthcare for Black Californians, including increasing Black representation in healthcare, expanding education on navigating the system, establishing accountability for equitable care, and developing more holistic approaches to health care.

CHCF says a "common thread" of the report demonstrates the importance of buy-in and action from the decision makers inside and outside of healthcare who can address root causes.

"Helping patients navigate the current health care system is a short-term solution," explained Dr. Venise C. Curry, Consultant and Western Director for the Medical Consortium on Climate and Health's Climate Health and Equity Fellowship. "You can't just have people advocating for themselves at an individual level, we need a better care system, and for that there has to be accountability. We need to address the root cause to improve quality care."