It is absolutely vital for the African-American community to have access to quality health care. Unfortunately, many African-Americans do not get the same opportunities that Caucasians do when it comes to access to healthcare, and this can have very serious consequences.

Prompt and fair access to healthcare can save lives. There are many conditions that can be easily and successfully treated if caught early. These include cancer, cardiovascular disease and a wide array of other conditions. Unfortunately, African-Americans are overrepresented on a number of conditions. For instance, African-Americans are overrepresented in HIV infection. They are much more likely to perish from this disease if they do not receive adequate healthcare and testing. With the proper medicine, however, people can lead long lives even with this condition.

Many African-Americans do not know that they are at risk for certain diseases, which is another reason why adequate access to healthcare is so important. For instance, because of their dark skin, some African-Americans do not believe that they can get skin cancer, but this is not true. It is important for everyone to get the healthcare so that they can be checked for the conditions that affect everyone.

Proper healthcare can also provide education to African-Americans. For instance, many people have habits that are detrimental to their health because they simply do not know of some of the important medical information. Access to proper healthcare can help everyone understand from the beginning the things that they need to do to keep themselves healthy. Pregnant women can also start caring for the health of their children from the very beginning.

It is important for everyone and anyone to have access to proper healthcare. Many African-Americans do not have the same opportunities as do those of other races, thus they may not have insurance or other healthcare coverage. Despite or even because of this, steps should be taken to make sure that they still get access.

When African-Americans do not get fair access to healthcare, the consequences can be much more far-reaching than they at first appear. They may need more expansive treatment for conditions that are caught late. They may be more sickly. They may have difficulty working if they are struggling with a medical condition. The effects may compromise both physical and mental health. In a community, one person touches another, thus the effects can spread.

It is important for African-Americans to receive access to healthcare. Steps should be made to increase the level of proper care and impart its importance for everyone.