title: Health policy reform initiatives to improve the health of black Americans.
abstract: Black Americans comprise 12.4 percent of the United States (U.S.) population and is one of the fastest growing minority groups (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1992). Recent health statistics indicate, however, that the life expectancy for Black Americans has lagged dramatically behind other minorities and White Americans throughout the century (DHHS, 1990). Economic, legislative and social factors hinder access to care and the provision of services within the current structure of health care in the U.S. Under health care reform, these three factors must be redefined to promote access to comprehensive health care services for Black Americans. Nursing is being challenged to provide the vision and leadership that will influence the key players to support a reform in health policy.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Padgett
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006291:Health Policy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009726:Nurses; D014481:United States