Reducing Disparities in Health and Mental Health Care: Interventions throughout the Life Cycle

In her talk, Dr. Alegria will explore health and mental health disparities for ethnic/racial minority and immigrant groups, including key statistical data and factors that contribute to health disparities. Emphasis will be placed on major obstacles confronted by ethnic/racial minority populations in healthcare and what can be done to offer optimal care. To illustrate the opportunities to intervene throughout the life cycle, Dr. Alegria will share findings and lessons learned from three multi-method projects aiming to improve behavioral health/health outcomes among distinct age groups: 1) adolescents (12-17 years old); 2) adults (18-65 years old); and 3) older adults (60 years and older). Dr. Alegria will explore the impact of cultural context, minority status and setting on health outcomes for these unique groups. She will propose priority areas for research and policy to promote health equity.