Discussion 1: Disparities in Health Care Across Race and Ethnicity Our society values equality as a right for all of our citizens. Yet, the reality is that disparities exist, especially in health care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010) defines health disparity as “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.” Health disparities adversely affect specific groups or populations who systematically experience obstacles to health care based on several factors or variables. For example, members of disadvantaged populations are known to have poorer health outcomes as compared to more advantaged populations. Lack of health insurance, poor neighborhoods without quality institutions, lack of access to health care services, and inadequate health literacy contribute to the disparity. Social workers can play an instrumental role in closing these gaps through advocacy, education, policy making, and program development aimed at minority groups. To prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Consider cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in the United States. Think about how these factors are associated with health and heath care disparities. Post an explanation of health care disparities in a specific minority population. Identify three nonbiological factors (e.g., public health policy) that might be associated with health care disparities in the population you selected. Explain medical social worker roles in addressing the three factors to eliminate health care disparities in the population.

In this discussion, you can either choose one of the website screenshots below, or you can provide a screenshot of one of your favorite professional websites.Be sure to analyze the impact of visuals on the specified targeted audience:How do visual organization patterns (similarity, proximity, continuity, etc.) affect the responses of potential website users or clients?How might visual simplicity or complexity seen in the layout of the main website page affect the responses of potential website users or clients?Does the website have any visual interactive elements to engage website users? Why is it important to use these on websites?Why might this be important for you to understand in your future professional and life experiences?*Remember--- Analysis requires that you substantiate your ideas with quotes from academic sources and experts in the field. Analysis without substantiated evidence is opinion. Use your etextbook, another academic article or source, or a career or real-life example to support your analysis points in your initial discussion post to demonstrate your full comprehension of the topics.Be sure to respond to At least one peer post. Response(s) should involve more than just repeating or acknowledging another student’s points; responses should foster further discussion by exploring new lines of information, perspectives, and questions. Lastly, responses should not contain mechanical or grammatical errors.