AGENCY TESTIMONY
Structural racism as a root cause of hospital closures
0:20:36
·
87 sec
Dr. Morse identifies structural racism as a fundamental cause of hospital closures and health inequities in New York City. She emphasizes that these closures are not an unfortunate side effect but a central feature of an inequitable healthcare system.
- Explains that the Health Department's role is to analyze and describe root causes of inequitable health outcomes
- Highlights how structural racism influences healthcare business practices, including decisions about insurance plans, pricing, facility locations, and resource distribution
- Argues that hospital closures are directly linked to these inequitable practices and payment policy choices
Dr. Michelle Morse
0:20:36
Today, I will outline the business of health care in the context of structural racism as a root cause of hospital closures and the critical role of safety net hospitals for health equity for our city.
0:20:48
The New York City Health Department does not regulate health care, which includes hospitals.
0:20:53
Under New York State Law, that authority lies with the New York State Health Department.
0:20:59
However, the New York City Health Department does have a critical role in using data, narrative change, community engagement, technical assistance, and ensure a more accountable and equitable healthcare system.
0:21:12
As a public health agency, we analyze and describe root causes of inequitable health outcomes.
0:21:18
I have previously addressed the impact of structural racism and economic inequity on our healthcare system during last year's hearing on healthcare accountability.
0:21:29
For example, structural racism and healthcare business practices such as decisions about what insurance plans to accept, what prices to charge, where to build facilities, and how to distribute resources and services between facilities are clear and entrenched causes of hospital closures and health inequities in New York City.
0:21:50
Hospital closures are not an unfortunate side effect in our healthcare system.
0:21:55
Rather, these closures are a central feature of a highly inequitable system and related payment policy choices.
