Final answer:
The first goal of the American health system is to improve the overall health status of Americans, focusing on increasing healthy lives and reducing disparities in health outcomes, especially among African Americans and other disadvantaged groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first goal of the American health system is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single objective. However, developing an understanding of the broader context of the U.S. health objectives, it becomes apparent that the overarching aim is to improve the health status of all Americans by increasing the years of healthy life and eliminating disparities in health outcomes. This goal encompasses efforts to increase community awareness of disparities, establishing priorities at various levels of governance, and addressing modifiable gaps in health, longevity, and quality of life with a particular focus on African Americans and other disadvantaged groups.
Importance of Addressing Disparities
There is a historical struggle with racial and health disparities in the United States. African Americans, in particular, experience significant disparities in health outcomes compared to White Americans. It is essential to address these disparities systematically through endeavors like health education and health literacy to ensure that all members of society can understand and thereby utilize healthcare services effectively, leading to better health for all populations.