May 12 2021
Gale Castillo, owner of Cascade Centers Inc., is chair of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber in Portland.
COVID-19 reminded us about the gross health care inequalities which have exacted a terrible toll for so many families, particularly those of lower income and from communities of color. While we are beginning to turn the tide on COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the lessons learned on the needed changes in our health system to ensure that all communities reap the benefits of the incredible advances we ve made in science.
Cancer also is a disease that has brought so much loss and suffering to people all across the world, and when you look at the statistics, a familiar picture of disparity emerges. On average, Hispanic-Americans have lower cancer incidence rates than our Caucasian counterparts, and yet the mortality rates for those in our community who are afflicted with the disease are disproportionately higher.