Population Health in the Delta

An overwhelming number of patterns, trends, and associations prove that poverty and health disparities are inherently related. The nature of the medical profession places physicians in the apex of trust and advocacy for their patients. If NYITCOM at A-State and other osteopathic medical programs in the Delta do not appreciate or understand the
struggles of much of the residents in the region, their interventions will not be effective or have a long-term impact. Approximately 12.7% of the United States population lives below the poverty threshold; this number is more than doubled in the Delta region with a poverty rate of 29.16%. The Delta is defined by the Delta Regional Authority as 252 counties in eight states. There are established links between poor health and lower socioeconomic status that result in additional obstacles for physicians to overcome when treating these patients.

Objective: The objective of the "Faces of the Delta" program at NYITCOM at A-State is to develop and train future osteopathic physicians with the abilities to apply basic knowledge of poverty, identify social determinants of health, and choose appropriate responses to health care issues for patients living in poverty-stricken circumstances. Through these attained skills, student doctors will be well equipped to address diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other regional health issues.