CBCF's Scott: Ruling protects health disparity focus

Thursday, June 28, 2012 - 09:25

OAKLAND -- Dr. Elsie Scott, president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, hopes the 2012 campaign turns to her focus -- the impact of the Affordable Care Act.

"I wish the President would talk more about all the positive changes because of the Affordable Care Act, particularly with respect to health disparities," said Scott in an exclusive interview on Black America and Capitol Hill on ReUNION: Education-Arts-Heritage.

Scott has led the foundation for more than six years as the operational arm of the Congressional Black Caucus. "We published a guide on the Affordable Care Act so that our constituency would understand all the changes."

Health Transformation

Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and Dr. Elsie Scott

"Del. Donna Christian, who is the only female physician in Congress, is very excited about the specific provisions to research and address health disparities," said Scott from the ReUNION studio in West Oakland's Liberty Hall historic site. She thinks more awareness would help African-Americans get excited about the 2012 election.

Focusing on education

Dr. Elsie Scott, president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, talks education with Air Force Capt. Sam Murray and Staff Sgt. Christian Manuel at ReUNION studios in Oakland. Will Hammons II photo

"I've talked to a lot of people who are not as enthusiastic as they were in 2008," notes Scott.

Health, economic empowerment and education join jobs as the top agenda items for the CBC Foundation, said the former college professor.

Among African-American businesses, health services are the most numerous category. Scott said the creation of the new National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities as the newest National Institute of Health will also open up research and business opportunities.

Transforming schools

CBCF's Breaking Barriers report discusses teaching black males

She also pointed to the ground-breaking studies by Foundation scholar Dr. Ivory Toldson on black male achievement which are leading to changes in schools around the country.

Scott is travelling the country to help plan the annual legislative weekend in the fall. She held out the possibility that the Caucus will stage regional events to reach more constituents.