Access Health CT Encourages Preventative Healthcare During Black History Month

CEO highlights health problems that impact Black and African American Communities more than others

• Access Health CT’s Chief Executive Officer, highlights health disparities that disproportionately impact Black and African Americans in Connecticut, and what can be done to improve outcomes.
• Preventative healthcare including an active relationship with a primary care physician and regular checkups can help prevent, and treat, serious health issues such as asthma, diabetes, infant mortality and hypertension.

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 27, 2018)—Access Health CT (AHCT) is encouraging Connecticut residents to use their health plans for preventative care, especially during Black History Month.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to talk about some of the most important issues for minority communities in the state,” said Michel, a proud member of the Black Community himself. “Black and African American residents are at higher risk for developing serious health conditions including asthma, diabetes and hypertension. And they are also more likely to suffer the death of a child. By using their health plans for preventative care, we can change those statistics,” he said.

According to a recent study*, racial and ethnic health disparities are among Connecticut’s most pressing issues. Also included in the report are the following facts:

• Black Connecticut residents are nearly five times as likely as White residents to visit the emergency department for asthma.
• Black Connecticut residents are more than twice as likely as White residents to die from diabetes and more than four times as likely to be hospitalized for diabetes.
• And babies born to Black women in Connecticut are nearly three times as likely to die as babies born to White women.

Another report** indicates that the African American population in Connecticut is disproportionately affected by hypertension. They report African Americans in the United States have the highest rates of high blood pressure than any group in the world—nearly half of all African Americans in the U.S. have it. Compared with Whites, Blacks have nearly twice the risk of fatal stroke.

“You might have one of these chronic conditions,” said Michel. “If you don’t, you likely know someone who does. That’s why health needs to be a topic of discussion during Black History Month. At Access Health CT, we are working to reduce health disparities and we are here to help you.”

Michel says the first, and most important thing to do, is to use your health plan. He says it’s important to select a primary care physician and establish a relationship with them. “It’s the best way to manage your health,” said Michel, “from chronic conditions to welcoming a new child—you can use your plan for preventative care. Go get your annual physical and see your doctor regularly. That is how we will change the story about health disparities in Connecticut.”

Learn more by contacting Access Health CT. Visit the website at www.AccessHealthCT.com or call

(855) 910-2428.

*2018 Connecticut Health Foundation report, “A Healthier Connecticut,”

**The official American Heart Association and American Stroke Association blog