In November 1999, then President Clinton approved a bill that committed $150 million for a national center to study disparities in health care for people of color. The President's action was a clear acknowledgment that certain health problems significantly impact communities of color much more than other communities.

How many newspapers, or radio or TV broadcasts ran this significant story? How many health or other journalists actually know that these disparities exist?

These were the types of questions asked by members of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists as they considered projects to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Association of Black Journalists in 2000.

On Dec. 9, 2000, PABJ, NABJ and Columbia University assembled a group of journalists, community representatives and health care officials to help answer the questions.

These are their thoughts and recommendations.
Forum panel members
Race: The X Factor
Healthcare Coverage: Politics and the Community
Making the Grade: Is it Ready for Prime Time?
The Untold Story: What Are We Missing?
Cultural Competency: Why it Matters
Putting the Public Back in Public Service Journalism
New Directions in News: Listen Up!
Mailing List of Participants