Editor:

The Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses was founded in 1973. We help facilitate better patient care in minority communities and work collaboratively with community organizations to improve access and care for all regardless of race or social-economic status. We also mentor and recruit minority nurses as well raise awareness on healthcare disparities that affect minorities.

Last month was National Minority Health Month, during which healthcare professionals and the community raise awareness about the health disparities that continue to affect minority groups. One devastating disease that disproportionately affects people of color is Hepatitis C, which can remain undetected for years while damaging the liver, often leading to cirrhosis and cancer.

According to a study from the Hepatitis C Support Group, called “African Americans and Hepatitis C,” African-Americans are more than twice as likely to contract Hepatitis C and are more likely to die from the virus. African-American patients have also historically responded more poorly to previous treatments compared to other racial groups. But thanks to medical innovation, there is now a drug available that can cure this disease in a matter of weeks.

However, insurance companies are standing between sick patients and effective drug treatments so they can protect their own bottom line. The only consideration for a patient ought to be: does their doctor think doing something will make them healthier?  Whether a drug is expensive, or other financial matters are involved, ought not to matter when a patient’s health and wellbeing are at stake.

We can’t idly stand by while the healthcare system withholds treatment for a disease that affects African Americans so profoundly. Everyone struggling with this disease should have equal access to treatment and an equal opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. Please join the ECCBN by raising awareness on Hepatitis C and other health care disparities.

To help raise awareness about healthcare disparities and promote healthcare awareness in the African American community, The Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses is hosting the Health Highways in partnership with Colorado Black Art Fest on from July 8-10.

Elerie Archer

President, Eastern Colorado Council of Black Nurses

Denver