How Long Will We Wait? The Desegregation of American Hospitals

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In 1966 following the passage of the Civil Rights Act and Medicare, the federal government mounted a dramatic, coordinated effort that forced the desegregation of every hospital in America in a matter of months by making it a requirement for Medicare funding. The story of securing equal and adequate access to healthcare for all Americans is one that continues to unfold, more than 55 years later.
 
Our event will screen POWER TO HEAL, an hour-long documentary narrated by Danny Glover about the struggle for the desegregation of hospitals. Following the screening, filmmaker Barbara Berney will join a discussion with experts around desegregation efforts in New York City, with a focus on Harlem Hospital. Speakers will also address the ways the legacy of segregation continues to impact American healthcare today, and will discuss forward-thinking strategies to ensure equitable practices.
 
This event is the second in the Race & Health series at The New York Academy of Medicine. The Race & Health series is about envisioning a more just society. We examine the big social, economic and systemic issues that keep people of all races from enjoying a healthy life. We’ll shed light on the historical legacy of these issues and their modern-day challenges and determine how we can, together, create a more equitable and healthy future for all.