In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” Nearly 60 years later, his words remain painfully relevant. Systemic inequities in healthcare persist, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.
From the alarming maternal mortality rates among Black women and birthing people to the lack of universal healthcare in the United States, we see a stark divide in access to quality care. Our healthcare system is fractured into one for the “haves” and another for the “have-nots,” further compounded by insurance companies prioritizing shareholder profits over patient needs. These realities reflect a society that undervalues basic human rights.
As a mental health practitioner, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these inequities. Early in my career, I realized that the quality of care available to my clients was dictated not by their needs but by their ability to pay. This harsh truth was agonizing. It became clear that those who were economically disadvantaged often lacked access to culturally responsive, high-quality care that honored their humanity. This injustice left me both angry and, at times, hopeless. How could I fulfill my calling as a healer when systemic barriers so profoundly restricted my ability to join people on their healing journeys?
Economic, class, and social status determined not only the length of treatment I could provide but also the resources, providers, and facilities my clients could access. Many were forced to navigate demeaning, bureaucratic obstacles—what I call hoops of fire—just to prove they deserved care. These barriers were not created by the practitioners or organizations I worked with but by people who intentionally create policies and practices that fail to honor the dignity and worth of all individuals equally. The frustration of navigating these systems was overwhelming. It was heartbreaking to see clients fighting to be seen as human, while systemic inequities perpetuated cycles of suffering.
When we talk about ‘the system’, it is almost as though ‘the system’ is a separate living entity. The reality is, humans created systems of harm and discrimination, and humans maintain them - it is up to us as humans to dismantle and change them. Dr. King recognized that health is not just a matter of economics—it is about dignity, justice, and humanity. Inequitable healthcare systems harm not only individuals but entire communities, deepening cycles of poverty, trauma, and suffering. Addressing these injustices requires more than policy changes; it demands a collective commitment to dismantling the structures, beliefs, and practices that perpetuate inequality. Only then can we create a system where every person’s humanity is recognized, valued, and honored.
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