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Published
2020-06-02
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Policy Proposals
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Copyright (c) 2020 Keelia Silvis
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Preventable Vision Loss Among African Americans in Hennepin County, Minnesota
Keelia Silvis
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Abstract
Too many African Americans in Hennepin County are losing their sight to glaucoma, a preventable disease which leads to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Black Americans have far higher rates of glaucoma than white counterparts due to genetics, structural racism, and access barriers. In Hennepin County, Minnesota an estimated 1,566 African Americans are at risk for developing glaucoma, but many likely are unaware of the risk because of the lack of warning symptoms. The Minnesota legislature must act to address this health disparity with preventative policy.
