Did you know that even in rare diseases like myasthenia gravis (MG), where muscle weakness and fatigue can be life-altering, racial disparities affect how patients access acute care? Recent research reveals that Black and Hispanic patients with MG face higher risks of emergency room visits and hospitalizations compared to their White counterparts.
This week’s featured article highlights how these disparities in acute care utilization point to a need for targeted patient support programs that can improve disease management and ease the burden on vulnerable communities. Understanding these differences is key to creating equitable healthcare where no one is left behind.
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Eat, Think & Thrive
This event is a dinner series hosted by BU Wellness that promotes holistic wellness through nutrition, community dialogue, and life skills development.
- Tuesday, June 24th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM EDT
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Broadway United Methodist Church (609 East 29th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205)
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Saturday, June 28th, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM EDT
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Indianapolis Public Library- Michigan Road Branch (6201 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268)
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Racial Disparities in Emergency Care for Myasthenia Gravis Patients 🩺🏥
June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month, and it’s important to shine a light on both the condition and how it affects people differently. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the connection between nerves and muscles, causing weakness that often worsens with activity. New research flags significant differences in ER visits and hospitalizations among racial groups living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG).
What’s Really Going On?
- Among 7,058 patients studied, non-Hispanic Black patients had 37% higher odds of ER visits in year 1 post-diagnosis.
- Hispanic patients had 70% higher odds of hospitalization in year 2.
- These disparities persisted even after adjusting for age, gender, location, insurance, and comorbidities.
- Clinical factors like antibodies and disease presentation also showed ethnic variation, especially among Hispanic and Asian patients.
Why It Matters
- Emergency visits and hospitalizations strain patients, hospitals, and insurers, and indicate gaps in routine care.
- Disparities suggest inequities in diagnosis, management, and access to care.
- Without targeted support, these disparities may worsen disease outcomes and financial burden for at-risk groups.
Becoming an Advocate
By advocating for people with Myasthenia Gravis, especially those in marginalized communities, you play a role in closing the racial health gap and ensuring everyone has access to timely, equitable care. Here are some ways you can be an advocate:
- Raise Awareness About Health Disparities: Educating others about these disparities can drive more equitable conversations around diagnosis, treatment access, and long-term support.
- Support Culturally Responsive Care: Request healthcare providers and systems to offer culturally informed treatment plans that reflect the lived experiences of diverse MG patients.
- Empower Early Diagnosis and Ongoing Support: Encourage friends, family, and community members to speak up about unexplained muscle weakness or fatigue and seek timely care.
Interested in learning more? Read this week's featured article (where we sourced the information above).
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