Health Equity & Access Weekly Roundup: May 6, 2025

Technological Advances in CV Care Depend on Human Resources: Antoine Keller, MD

Antoine Keller, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at Ochsner Lafayette General Hospital and founder of HeartSense, emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital auscultation in cardiovascular care, particularly in Louisiana's rural communities. These technologies enable more accessible cardiovascular assessments and screening, addressing geographical barriers to quality care, he explained in an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®). Keller highlighted the dual nature of AI in health care, noting its potential to identify care gaps and provide actionable insights from electronic medical records (EMRs), though he stressed the critical need for skilled human resources to interpret and implement these findings effectively. Despite AI's pivotal role, Keller underscored the irreplaceable value of health care professionals in leveraging technology to enhance patient outcomes and health equity.

Barriers in Postpartum Health Persist in LGBTQ+ People

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals face significantly more barriers to health care in the year following childbirth compared with non-LGBTQ+ individuals, despite having similar access to health insurance. Using data from the 2020 Postpartum Assessment of Health Survey across several US states and New York City, researchers found that LGBTQ+ participants were more likely to report cost-related nonadherence to medication, delays in care, low care quality, and higher emergency and specialist care use. They were also less likely to receive dental care, suggesting these disparities in unmet health needs and potentially worse postpartum and mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ parents.

Experts Share Top Takeaways From AACR Annual Meeting 2025

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025, in Chicago, showcased cutting-edge developments in cancer research, from major clinical trial breakthroughs to the role of environmental risk factors and the power of technology. Experts highlighted diverse takeaways, including the importance of basic science in drug development, the need to address emerging environmental exposures like microplastics and PFAS, and the growing focus on cancer disparities and underrepresented cancers. The value of survivor advocacy, the complexity of multilevel contributors to cancer outcomes, and the energy and promise seen in early-career researchers were also emphasized in the interviews with AJMC. Overall, the meeting reinforced both the progress and collaborative spirit driving cancer science forward.

Cutting Specialists From Suicide Hotline Threatens LGBTQ+ Youth, Experts Say

A leaked Trump administration budget proposal to cut funding for LGBTQ+ specialized services on the national suicide prevention hotline has sparked alarm among mental health advocates, who warn that the move could severely impact a high-risk group. Since its launch in 2022, the 988 hotline has received over 14.5 million reach-outs, with around 1.2 million coming from LGBTQ+ individuals, many benefiting from the dedicated option to speak with trained specialists who understand their unique experiences. With LGBTQ+ youth being over 4 times more likely to attempt suicide, leaders in the mental health field expressed that removing this support could make the hotline feel less accessible and inclusive. Experts and advocacy groups like NAMI and The Trevor Project are now lobbying Congress to protect this vital service and urging the public to contact lawmakers to oppose the proposed cuts.

New Findings Highlight Role of Social Capital in Cervical Cancer Care Disparities: Samantha Garcia, PhD, MPH

In an interview at the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting, Samantha Garcia, PhD, MPH, a third-year postdoctoral fellow at the University of Southern California, discussed her study examining the link between social capital and treatment delays among cervical cancer survivors using data from the All of Us program. Social capital, measured via neighborhood social cohesion, was associated with fewer reported treatment delays, suggesting its potential protective role. Despite reporting lower social capital, Black and African American women were less likely than White women to report treatment delays after adjusting for social and economic factors. The study indicates racial disparities in social capital and lays the groundwork for future research to explore interventions in clinical settings to strengthen social capital and improve timely access to care.