( Bluefield)—West Virginians, particularly African-Americans living in the state, suffer from major health disparities when compared to their counterparts throughout the nation, according to a study by the Minority Health Institute Center of Excellence (Project EXPORT) at Bluefield State College. Dr. Anthony Woart, the Minority Health Institute’s Director and Principal Investigator/Project Export, recently released the study. “This is a public attempt to draw attention to the burdens of diseases borne by West Virginians, who suffer among the highest incidence of diseases, and mortality rates, for cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, and stroke,” Dr. Woart stated.

“ West Virginia epidemiological data also reveal that, while African-Americans comprise just three percent of the state’s population, this sub-population disproportionately suffers from a higher incidence of disease and mortality rate as a result of disease,” he continued. “Our hope is that this report will document the issues as well as the need for continued effort to combat these health disparities. This is our message for policy makers and researchers.”

The Minority Health Institute Center of Excellence Project Export is funded by the National Institutes of Health & National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIH/NCMHD). Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting Dr. Woart (awoart@bluefieldstate.edu). “Concurrent with this report, we want to stress to the residents of this region how important health screening truly is,” he added. “Early detection of disease significantly improves the rate of survival, and regular screening is a key to early detection.”

November 1, 2006