April 19, 2021

A new report by AARP Pennsylvania and Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions highlights how geographic, racial, ethnic and economic factors often combine to create health disparities that restrict access to healthcare for many residents in Pennsylvania. This report is the first report for the state that clearly outlines actionable recommendations for disrupting disparities that have become even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jana Hirsch, PhD, MES, assistant research professor at the UHC, collaborated on the project by generating maps of pharmacy access from UHC project RECVD for the report. The study draws on interviews with key stakeholders, a literature review, and an analysis of databases on the health of residents in the state. “It is rewarding to use UHC’s wealth of neighborhood data to assist other University and community groups in visualizing disparities and health inequities in Philadelphia and beyond ,” said Hirsch of her contributions to the project.

"Disrupting Disparities in Pennsylvania: Retooling for Geographic, Racial and Ethnic Growth.”