William A. Vega, the executive director of the Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging at the USC School of Social Work, discussed the U.S. healthcare system and health disparities in low-income communities of color at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 14.

The conference was part of a series of events organized by the CHCI, from Sept. 12-15, which marked Hispanic Heritage Month. The events brought together Latino leaders, experts and scholars to participate in discussions about major policy issues affecting the Latino community. Among the key issues that were discussed was health care reform.

The existing healthcare system is designed primarily to treat acute disease as opposed to chronic disease, Vega said at a plenary session titled, "America's Promise: The Impact of Healthcare Reform." He further stressed the need for the healthcare system to meet the critical needs of low-income families. Vega, one of the nation's foremost experts on health disparities that affect aging ethnic minority populations, said more health clinics need to treat patients in their own language and provide more effective, trouble-free ways to receive follow-up services.

First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius were among the other expert panelists to address healthcare during the plenary session, which was moderated by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard.

The Roybal Institute was named after Roybal-Allard's father, the late Rep. Edward R. Roybal, who served as a congressman for 30 years and was a driving force behind the establishment of many services for the aging. He was also one of the first legislators to introduce legislation to establish a national health plan for the United States.

The Roybal Institute is dedicated to translational research, policy advocacy and training that improves the health, mental health and care of older persons, particularly those from low-income and multiethnic backgrounds.