Health Disparities in the Hampton Roads: A Clinical Anthropology Perspective

Significant public health disparities affect the Hampton Roads region in Virginia. Despite efforts, many communities experience disproportionate access to resources and high cancer and maternal and infant mortality rates. Developing healthcare delivery initiatives is insufficient to reduce disparities. A cross-cultural, holistic approach must be at the forefront of any healthcare initiative because the lived experiences resulting from inequality become embodied vulnerabilities that shape health disparities. A medical anthropological perspective within healthcare education, clinical practice, and policy making will facilitate interventions that address the impact of power differentials on health, training of providers, and delivery of healthcare resources to the community.