Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states in the nation. Yet health outcomes, and opportunities to live a healthy lifestyle, vary greatly depending on who you are and where you live. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota believes that all people, regardless of race, income, zip code or other factors, should have opportunities to live the healthiest lives possible.

Race impacts health outcomes. In Minnesota, only 22% of Somali immigrants have been screened for colorectal cancer, compared to 40% of those born in Laos and 70% of white patients. Only 25% of Native Americans are receiving optimal diabetes care, compared to 27% of African Americans and 41% of white patients. The mortality rate for African American infants born in Minnesota is double that of white infants.

In “Barriers, Trauma, and Fear” we look at the experience of visiting the hospital through the lens of racism, bias, and fear.

Many thanks to Brittany Delaney, Amy Schmitt, Appetite for Change, The Terrarium and Quiet Island Films.

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. All rights reserved.