**Article:**
Black Americans experience a shorter life expectancy compared to White Americans, with research estimating approximately 1.63 million excess deaths between 1999 and 2020. These additional deaths are largely linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. The data highlights ongoing health disparities that affect Black communities over an extended period.
The study emphasizes that the cumulative impact of systemic racism and unequal access to healthcare may play a significant role in these outcomes. Chronic conditions that contribute to premature mortality are often influenced by social determinants of health, including economic status, education, and neighborhood environments.
**Why this matters:**
Understanding the factors behind racial disparities in health outcomes is crucial for developing effective public health policies. Addressing these inequities can help reduce preventable deaths and improve the overall well-being of marginalized communities. Efforts to promote health equity are essential to ensuring that all populations have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.
Source: NewsData