Bridging Health Care Gaps in Minority Communities

Bridging Health Care Gaps in Minority Communities  

As the co-founder and Executive Director of Physician Assistants of Color (ThePAC), Jasmine Cofield, MS, PA-C, is invested in addressing health care disparities. 

In recognition of National Minority Health Month this April, we sat down with Cofield to discuss the critical issues facing minority communities and her opinions on the vital role PAs play in creating equitable health care access. 

Could you share a little about your background and what inspired you to become a PA? 

I’m originally from Flint, Michigan, a community that shaped my values around service, resilience and the importance of access. I pursued the PA profession because I wanted a career that offered both stability and the opportunity to make a tangible difference. I witnessed the impact of limited access to culturally competent care in Black and Brown communities and knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Becoming a PA has allowed me to combine clinical care with leadership, mentorship and advocacy toward the broader mission of equity in health care. 

What does National Minority Health Month mean to you as a health care provider? 

National Minority Health Month is a time to spotlight the ongoing health disparities our communities face and more importantly, a call to action. It’s a reminder that our push for health equity is not seasonal and will be an ongoing responsibility. 

In your experience as a PA, what are some of the biggest health care disparities minority communities face today? 

Over time, my perspective on this has evolved. One of the most overlooked health care disparities is time. Many individuals in marginalized and working-class communities are constantly in survival mode which looks like working multiple jobs, caring for family and navigating daily stressors. That lack of time makes it difficult to access care, prioritize prevention, or invest in wellness. This often leads to a cycle of chronic stress, poor nutrition, limited physical activity and untreated mental health challenges. Without the time and space to focus on thriving instead of surviving, long-term health outcomes are compromised. Addressing this means we have to consider not just access to care, but also the structural barriers that consume people’s time and capacity to care for themselves. 

What role do you think cultural competence plays in bridging the gap in health care for underserved communities? 

Cultural competence is about creating safe spaces where patients feel understood and respected. Seeking health care is already a vulnerable position to be in. When patients feel seen, they’re more likely to engage in care, follow treatment plans and trust the system. 

Are there any challenges you’ve personally witnessed in addressing these disparities and how have you overcome them? 

One challenge I run into often is recommending lifestyle changes that just aren’t realistic based on the environments my patients live in. It’s hard to talk about eating healthier when someone lives in a food desert, or encourage more physical activity when there’s no safe space to walk, let alone a gym. We talk about prevention, but people need access first. So I try to stay grounded in the reality of my patients’ lives. I focus on small, sustainable steps and ask questions instead of making assumptions. And beyond the clinical setting, I advocate for resources and policy changes that address the bigger picture. 

How important is community outreach in promoting health equity, particularly during National Minority Health Month? 

Community outreach is everything. We can’t expect people to show up for care if we’re not showing up for them where they are. During National Minority Health Month, it’s not just about highlighting disparities, it’s about getting into communities with real resources, education and support systems. 

Could you provide an example of a successful outreach project you’ve been a part of or seen in action? 

I focus on mentoring Black and Brown pre-PA students because data shows they’re more likely to return to and serve their own communities. When we increase the number of providers of color, we increase access to care in underserved areas, build trust and help close the gap in health disparities. It’s a long-term solution that starts with investing in the pipeline. 

What advice would you give to health care professionals wanting to engage more effectively with minority communities? 

True servant leadership starts with listening. You don’t want to walk into a community with a savior mindset. You listen first, then respond. Let the needs guide the work and use your knowledge, position and access to bridge the gap. You can be the voice but be sure the stories are being told accurately and effectively. Build real relationships, partner with trusted leaders and show up with humility and consistency. 

Preventative care is such a key aspect of better health outcomes. How do you encourage minority patients to focus on prevention? 

I approach prevention through empowerment. I help patients envision what life could look like if they had more energy, less pain and better mental health. I connect prevention to joy, movement, legacy and quality of life. 

Are there specific screenings or preventative measures that you think should be prioritized within minority communities? 

Mental health screenings are critical, especially with the trauma and chronic stress tied to being Black or Brown in this country. We also need safe third spaces like libraries and community hubs to educate, heal and organize. Alongside that, regular screenings for blood pressure, diabetes and cancers must remain a priority. 

What’s one actionable step health care professionals can take today to help reduce health disparities for minority populations? 

Assess your own biases and build cultural humility into your practice. Make space for your patients’ lived experiences. Then take it a step further and advocate within your institution and ask who’s not at the table and why. 

As we reflect on National Minority Health Month, what message would you like to share with minority communities and health care providers? 

To our communities: You deserve to be seen, heard and cared for with dignity. You are worthy of quality, compassionate care and to never settle for anything less. To health care providers: It’s not enough to be in the room. Use your role to challenge inequities, build trust and show up for the people who need it most.