Healthcare for Marginalized Americans Course
Course Code: PCC – HMA 705
Overview
Many people live on the margins of United States society due to race, language, ethnicity, income, immigration status, and more. The United States is distinct from other developed countries in that there is no single national health care system that provides access for all of its inhabitants. Also notable in the US is the relative lack of attention to social needs that are so vital to health. As a result, marginalized people are frequently unable to access essential health care. This course explores the complex patchwork of ingredients which comprise United States health care systems, with special attention its deficiencies for marginalized people. The profound impact of social determinants of health are examined. Health resources are evaluated. Obstacles to care are identified, along with “work around” solutions commonly used by marginalized people. Existing and potential solutions to the healthcare dilemma for US marginalized people are explored. Course participants are challenged to advocate for a more equitable US health care system.
This is a comprehensive course built around the required textbooks “The American Healthcare Paradox” by Elizabeth H. Bradley and Lauren A. Taylor (PublicAffairs, 2013) and “Health Care Off the Books” by Danielle T. Raudenbush (University of California Press, 2020). Academic credit earned is 2 credit hours. Sample the INMED learning experience with this 15-minute Free Demo Short Self-Paced Course.
Competency Objectives
At the completion of the Healthcare for Marginalized Americans Course, learners will be able to demonstrate using case-studies and simulation:
- Comprehension of the obstacles and resources which exist for US marginalized people in accessing health care
- Skills to improve the individual care of marginalized people which arise from an approach of cultural humility.
- Effective strategies for addressing the social determinants of health in the lives of marginalized people.
Time Frames
This course includes 8 weeks of structured learning, assignments which are due each Sunday night, online meetings with course faculty, and a scheduled virtual-classroom final exam. Please view the Course Syllabus.
Course Faculty
Poor mother and children during the Great Depression. Elm Grove, Oklahoma, USA.