For Immediate Release

May 12, 2009 | WASHINGTON, D.C.

Report Reveals Disparities in Pharmaceutical Treatment for Minority Patients

A new report from the National Minority Quality Forum finds that appropriate medications for a variety of diseases often are underprescribed, over-prescribed, or mis-prescribed for African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans. This comprehensive review of studies on medication use in U.S. minority groups, entitled Origins and Strategies for Addressing Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Pharmaceutical Therapy: The Health-Care System, the Provider, and the Patient, reveals disparities in treatment of minority patients with cardiovascular illness, asthma, psychiatric illness, pain and other conditions.

The report, authored by Richard Levy, Ph.D., Robert C. Like M.D., M.S., and Harry S. Shabsin, Ph.D., finds disparities in access to medications through insurance programs, in the prescribing of medications and in adherence to medication regimens. The report offers recommendations for health-care planners and advocates, clinicians and healthcare organizations to improve prescribing and use of medications in a diverse society.

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About The Forum

The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-partisan, independent research and education organization. The vision of NMQF is a health services research, delivery and financing system that provides quality and effective health services to the biodiverse American general population of the 21st century. NMQF helps assure that national and local quality improvement initiatives are informed by scientific evidence, and place a priority on the quality of care and patient outcomes in all populations.

Media Contact

Gretchen C. Wartman, VP Policy and Program

gwartman@nmqf.org | 202.223.7560