"It is possible to become discouraged about the injustice we see everywhere. But God did not promise us that the world would be humane and just. He gives us the gift of life and allows us to choose the way we will use our limited time on earth. It is an awesome opportunity."
-Cesar Chavez

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane…”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Disparities
Health disparities are the persistent gaps between the health status of two population groups.  Barriers to care can result from economic, geographic, linguistic, cultural, and health care financing issues.  Lower quality care has many causes, including patient-provider miscommunication, provider discrimination, stereotyping, or prejudice.

Inequities
When we talk about health inequity we are saying that some of the differences in health status result from a disadvantage or difference in access to things that produce health.  The fact that not everyone has an equal opportunity for health is one of the most pressing health issues today. Statistics show that levels of disease, disability, and death are higher across ethnic, racial, and economic groups that often do not have viable opportunities for regular physical activity or access to healthy food.