February 3, 2024 – In celebration of Black History Month, YoloCares is hosting several free chronic illness care workshops for the African American community to address barriers to care for Black patients and the needs of their caregivers.
Hospice enrollment among African American Medicare recipients is approximately 35.5 percent compared to 50.8 percent of White Medicare recipients, according to a 2022 study from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), indicating that the African American community is underrepresented in end-of-life care services.
This discrepancy in enrollment levels between races has been a longstanding trend. YoloCares recognizes the historical context behind this reality; for generations African Americans have faced substandard and unequal healthcare which has left a profound impact on public perceptions of American healthcare institutions.
According to Brandy Jones, YoloCares community educator, “Discrimination from medical professionals has reinforced the belief that the healthcare system, including hospice care, is not a reliable source of support or care for the African American community. Our goal is to listen to these valid concerns and find care solutions that align with each patient’s and family’s values.”
YoloCares is committed to reevaluating the agency’s culture to address this apprehension in order to provide high-quality service to every member of the community. The agency also aims to dispel the myth that palliative care and hospice are synonymous with death, especially within communities of color. In reality, individuals who receive palliative care for chronic serious illnesses often demonstrate a pattern of living longer and experience an increase in overall quality of life.
Based on a 2020 study conducted by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Alliance for Caregiving, Black family caregivers represent 14 percent—approximately 7.2 million—of the estimated 48 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States. One of the biggest benefits to enrollment in palliative care or hospice is counseling around the patient’s disease progression and expanded education and support for caregivers.
These free sessions aim to guide current and potential caregivers through the journey of caring for a loved one who is transitioning from chronic illness to terminal care. Topics will include caregiver respite, adult day programs, grief counseling, and an array of community programs offered by YoloCares. Each meeting will touch on a variety of different topics and will include giveaways and a light lunch. Attendees are encouraged to participate in one or all sessions.
Each workshop is designed not only to share information but also to engage with the community. African American voices, those often unheard in healthcare settings, should be empowered to ask questions and make informed decisions that are best for them and their loved ones. To RSVP for the workshops, please email Jones at bjones@yolocares.org.
Chronic Illness Workshop Information
February 10, 10:30 – 11:30am
Southgate Library
6132 66th Ave., Sacramento, 95823
February 10, 1:00 – 3:00pm
New Life Christian Ministry
3982 60th Street, Sacramento, 95820
February 24, 10:30 – 11:30am
Martin Luther King Jr. Library
7340 24th Street Bypass, Sacramento, 95822
February 24, 1:00 – 3:00pm
New Life Christian Ministry
3982 60th Street, Sacramento, 95820
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