The National Business Group on Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are teaming up to help employers become aware of racial and ethnic inequities in health care delivery.

Health disparities are defined as persistent gaps between the health status of minorities and non-minorities in the United States.

Medical research shows some racial and ethnic minority patients are less likely to receive preventive services, diagnoses and treatment for certain chronic conditions, compared to their white counterparts.

Given that large employers provide health benefits for most Americans, NBGH believes employers are well poised to leverage their collective resources to bring positive changes.

Most employers would be very dismayed to know their investment in health care, which is otherwise equal in cash, does not always benefit all of their employees and their dependents, says Helen Darling, president of NBGH.

"While the health care system is otherwise well-meaning, it unfortunately has a lot of problems," she says.

"We are now just learning how important personalized medicine is and how culturally competent health care ensures the best health outcomes. This partnership allows us to work with employers to make sure their health care benefits and their health improvement programs meet the needs of a culturally diverse workforce."

Some initiatives under the partnership include:

■ A toolkit for employers about racial and ethnic disparities in health care;

■ Guidelines on how to effectively communicate benefits and health care to Hispanic, African American and Asian populations;

■ Materials on practical solutions on how to purchase and plan appropriate health care for a diverse workforce.

"We must find more effective and far-reaching strategies if we are to succeed in reducing the toll health disparities take on our health, well-being and productivity, says Garth Graham, deputy assistant security of minority health at the Department of Health and Human Services. "