New York, December 15 (RHC)-- One-third of Americans have been forced to avoid necessary medical treatments due to the dire economic situation in the country, according to a new survey.  The latest survey showed that 30 percent of participants said they had ruled out medical treatment due to the high costs of health care in the United States, The Hill reported on Tuesday.

The survey conducted by the West Health Policy Center and Gallup found that one-fifth of respondents said they or a household member saw their health problem worsen after delaying care because of the costs.  One of 20 respondents even reported knowing a friend or relative who died over the past year after not getting needed care due to the costs.  

Tim Lash, president of the West Health Policy Center, said the data indicated that Americans “have a real problem” in regard to their health care.  Lash said the survey proved how fragile the US health care system was, "and how fragile families can be when they're trying to access it.”

“It tells me that we're at a breaking point and that it's not just … those that are desperate are not just low-income individuals but even those that are more affluent,” he said. “And we’re gonna have to find a way out of that.”

The West Health-Gallup poll surveyed 6,663 American adults from across the nation between Sept. 27 and 30 and Oct. 18 and 21. The margin of error amounted to 1.5 percentage points.

According to U.S. government data, Black communities experienced worse health issues as shown in almost any measure of health and well-being, including life expectancy; disease prevalence and maternal mortality rates.  In this regard, a report revealed that the number of youths taking their lives in Black communities had surged.

Suicide rates in the U.S. are among the highest in the world, having increased by one third since 1999, becoming the 10th leading cause of death in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”   The report shows that the suicide rate has risen by almost 50 percent among black youths.

Experts cite bullying at schools, racial insults and degradation, coupled with problems in the family and having no one to talk to, no mental health care available, or affordable, and not having bright future prospects and something to look forward to, among other reasons, having all contributed to the horrific surge in suicides among African Americans.