Press Release

For Immediate Release, January 15, 2004
Contact: Gabriela Lemus, 202-833-6130

Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) calls for investigation into the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Healthcare Disparities Report.  The House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform – Minority Staff Special Investigations Division found political influence was used to alter the findings of an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on minority healthcare. 

In June 2003, the IOM, a branch of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report to the HHS examining the disparities in the US healthcare system.  The report stated that “a broad array of differences related to access, use, and patient experience of care by racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic groups, based on valid measures.  Many of the differences presented here are large and worrisome; indeed some will argue, quite reasonably, that they constitute evidence of disparity, irrespective of a clear relationship to health outcomes.” 

The HHS downplayed the IOM’s findings in the release of their National Healthcare Disparities Report late last month.  “Where we find variation among populations, this variation will simply be described as a ‘difference.’  By allowing the data to speak for themselves, there is no implication that these differences result in adverse health outcomes or imply prejudice in any way,” the HHS report argued. 

“By spinning the problems that exist in our healthcare system identified by the IOM, one of the most critical and respected scientific advisors to the Federal government, the Administration is not only doing a disservice to Hispanic community, but the entire country,” LULAC National President Hector Flores remarked.  “In fewer than 50 years, 50% of the population will be non-Anglo.  These disparities will only become an even more pressing issue,” added Flores. 

The House of Representative’s investigative report concluded that political influence was used to minimize the problems the IOM identified stating, “These changes significantly altered the message of the report.  Instead of reinforcing the conclusions of the Institute of Medicine, the National Healthcare Disparities Report minimizes the importance and scope of disparities in healthcare.” 

“LULAC urges further investigation into this matter,” Mr. Flores reiterated.  “The Administration cannot irresponsibly ignore the full context and consequences of the IOM report for political advantage.  Implying that minorities receive superior healthcare in certain areas by selectively choosing parts of the IOM’s report is simply unethical,” said Flores. 

“As the largest Hispanic advocacy group in the country, we put tremendous efforts toward ensuring that our community is in good health and that they have the same access to quality healthcare as the rest of the country.  Letting political influence take precedence over the welfare of the people is unacceptable and LULAC demands that it stop,” Mr. Flores concluded.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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