Boston Health Commissioner Addresses Health Disparities in Boston Herald Interview
Boston Public Health Commission Director Barbara Ferrer on Monday in an interview with the Boston Herald discussed racial health disparities and other issues.Ferrer said that her top concern for the city, as well as the state and the nation, is "eliminating disparities in health," adding that she is "particularly troubled by the disparities we have in infant mortality, cancer and in violence." When asked what issue she loses sleep over, Ferrer replied, "The continued gap between the number of black babies that die in the city compared to the number of white babies that die, the number of black babies that are born prematurely, the number of kids who have experienced violence. That's what I lose sleep over."
Ferrer added that violence also is a public health issue in the minority community and is among her top priorities to address (Fargen, Boston Herald, 7/24). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.