We'll Fight It Out Here: A History of the Ongoing Struggle for Health Equity

A coalition of Black health professions schools made health equity a national issue by fighting for it in the field of health care, leading to the founding of the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools (AMHPS) and the passage of minority health care legislation. David Chanoff and Louis W. Sullivan's book, We'll Fight It Out Here, details the history of Black health care and the work of AMHPS, which brought to light health care inequities in 1983 and precipitated virtually all minority health care legislation since then. The book highlights the importance of this coalition movement and provides practical mechanisms for advancing health equity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Racism in the US health care system has been a persistent and deliberate obstacle to the well-being of Black health care professionals and has contributed to significant health disparities among Black Americans for centuries. However, it was not until a group of health professions schools at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) came together to form the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools (AMHPS) that health equity became a national issue. This coalition, led by David Chanoff and Louis W. Sullivan, former secretary of health & human services, has played a pivotal role in shaping American politics and health care.

In their book, "We'll Fight It Out Here: The Story of the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools and the Battle for Health Equity," Chanoff and Sullivan recount the history of Black health care, from pre-Emancipation to the present day. They highlight the work of AMHPS, which brought to light health care inequities in 1983 and has been instrumental in shaping virtually all minority health care legislation since then.

Based on extensive research in the literature and more than seventy interviews with the people central to this fight for legislative and policy change, "We'll Fight It Out Here" is an important story of a vital coalition movement that has changed the national understanding of health inequities. The work of this coalition of Black health schools continues to support the training of more doctors and health professionals from minority backgrounds, and their efforts have had a significant impact on the health of Black Americans.

One of the key achievements of AMHPS has been its advocacy for increased funding for minority health programs. The organization has worked tirelessly to secure funding for programs that address the unique health needs of minority communities, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. By advocating for increased funding, AMHPS has helped to reduce health disparities and improve the quality of life for millions of Black Americans.

Another important aspect of AMHPS's work has been its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the health care workforce. The organization has worked to increase the number of minority students enrolled in health professions schools and to ensure that they receive the same quality of education as their white counterparts. By promoting diversity and inclusion, AMHPS has helped to create a more equitable and just health care system.

However, despite these achievements, health equity remains a significant challenge in the US. Black Americans continue to experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and chronic health conditions than their white counterparts. This is due in part to the legacy of racism and discrimination that has permeated American society for centuries.

To address this challenge, AMHPS has continued to advocate for policies that promote equity and justice. The organization has worked to support legislation that addresses the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty and discrimination. It has also worked to promote policies that increase access to health care, such as Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act.

In addition to its advocacy work, AMHPS has also been involved in community-based initiatives that address health disparities. The organization has worked to establish health clinics in underserved communities and to provide health education and prevention programs to individuals and families. By working directly with communities, AMHPS has been able to build trust and create a sense of ownership over the health care system.

Despite its successes, AMHPS has faced challenges along the way. The organization has faced criticism for its focus on minority health issues, with some arguing that it should be more inclusive of all health issues. However, AMHPS has responded to these criticisms by emphasizing the importance of addressing the unique health needs of minority communities.

In conclusion, the work of the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools has been instrumental in shaping American politics and health care. By advocating for increased funding for minority health programs, promoting diversity and inclusion in the health care workforce, and supporting policies that promote equity and justice, AMHPS has helped to reduce health disparities and improve the quality of life for millions of Black Americans. While health equity remains a significant challenge, AMHPS continues to work tirelessly to address this issue and create a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421444642