The Black American Amputation Epidemic

ProPublica (05/19/2020)
  • Black Americans with poor health (eg diabetics) are 3x more likely to have their limbs amputated as a result deadly clogged arteries or infections.
  • Why? – Racial and economic disparities in access to preventative healthcare.
  • Bad Alternative – Even after amputation, within five years patients are likely to be dead (less exercise = higher risk of heart attacks, strokes).
  • Article profiles Dr Foluso Fakorede, who moved to Bolivar County, Mississippi (2015) and implemented preventative screenings at his clinic to reduce amputations by 75%.