The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65825

Margarita Alegria, PhD¹, Debra Joy Perez, MPA, MA², and Sandra Williams, BA¹. (1) Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research, Cambridge Health Alliance, 120 Beacon street, 4th Floor, Somerville, MA 02143, 617-503-8447, malegria@charesearch.org, (2) Harvard University, 120 Beacon street, 4th Floor, Somerville, MA 02143

Ethnic and racial disparities in mental health appear to be driven by social and economic factors such as housing, education and income, with empirical evidence of a causal path between these factors and health. Many of these social and economic factors differ for whites and minorities. Policies that address gaps in these social and economic factors have the potential to address mental health status disparities. We analyze three public policies that have a differential impact on minorities: the Individuals with Disability Education Act; Section 8 Vouchers and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Two out of the three policies were effective as a mechanism to reduce social and economic inequalities between whites and minorities. The article concludes with the need to aggressively target public policies as potential interventions to eliminate mental health status disparities for minorities.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Articulate clear links between public policies and their potential impact on racial/ethnic disparities in mental health.
• Identify the pathway from social and economic circumstances of minorities to mental health status.
• Identify the flaws in public policies that can increase mental health disparities in minority populations

Keywords: Mental Health, Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.