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The Lung Corps’ Approach to Reducing Health Disparities in Respiratory Disease

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Health disparities are prevalent across diseases of the respiratory system, and are major sources of morbidity and mortality among disadvantaged populations in the United States. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) aims to reduce disparities that are both avoidable and unjust. In meeting this goal, the ATS is committed to creating the Lung Corps, a diverse group of senior, mid-level, and junior clinicians, trainees, researchers, and public health practitioners to help achieve health equality. This will be achieved through the following mechanisms: (1) increase awareness of health disparities; (2) empower health professionals with the knowledge and tools to address disparities; (3) shape research agendas to focus on the root causes, to identify modifiable targets, and to promote innovative approaches to reduce disparities; and (4) develop and advocate for health-related policies and regulations that improve the respiratory health of the population. To ensure success, the Lung Corps will interact with other societies, agencies, and organizations to effect elimination of disparities in respiratory health. The ATS is committed to identifying and addressing health disparities to improve the overall health of individuals affected by respiratory diseases.

Source: Annals of the American Thoracic Society

DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201402-061ar

Authors: Neeta Thakur, Meghan E. McGarry, Sam S. Oh, Joshua M. Galanter, Patricia W. Finn, Esteban G. Burchard

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of Illinois Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green