Definition: 

A health disparity is a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; religion; socioeconomic status; gender; age; mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion.

 

What is a health disparity? view point

 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Issue Briefs Series:  Exploring the Social Determinants of Health- Vulnerable population

Examples:

Race and Socioeconomic factors

Education and Health

 

Resources and News:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality- resources

Office of Minority Health- Disparity Reduction Efforts

CDC- Office of Minority Health- Disparity News