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PUBLIC HEALTH

Public health disparities are a significant issue in many mid-sized cities across the United States. Cities face a range of public health challenges that disproportionately affect certain communities.

findings

Averages

General Trends

 

Of the 25 cities studied, health outcomes were generally better in Western regions, and generally poorer in Southern states and parts of the Northeast and Midwest. For example, Akron, Little Rock, Allentown, and Huntsville all rank toward the top of the list in terms of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. This may be attributed to disparities in park access and access to healthy food, though a stronger correlation was found between health outcomes and education level than any of the physical or environmental factors - suggesting that education is needed in addition to better access to healthy food and parks.

SELECT FINDINGS

Little Rock, AR

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In Little Rock, Arkansas, the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes is higher than the national average. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, the obesity rate in Arkansas was 37.1%, which is higher than the national average of 31.4%. Similarly, the rate of hypertension in Arkansas is higher than the national average, with 40.1% of adults reporting they have high blood pressure. The rate of diabetes in Arkansas is also higher than the national average, with 12.7% of adults reporting they have diabetes.

 

Huntsville, AL

 

In Huntsville, Alabama, the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes is also higher than the national average. The obesity rate in Alabama was 36.2% in 2019, while the hypertension rate was 40.4% and the diabetes rate was 12.3%. Huntsville has been working to address these health issues through initiatives like the Mayor's Healthy Huntsville program, which encourages healthy eating and physical activity.

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Allentown, PA

 

In Allentown, Pennsylvania, the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes is higher than the national average as well. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the obesity rate in Lehigh County (where Allentown is located) was 34.7% in 2019, while the rate of high blood pressure was 32.5% and the rate of diabetes was 9.2%. Allentown also ranks lower than average in park access and mobility, and among the lowest cities in access to healthy food.

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Akron, OH​

 

Despite ranking among the highest in park access, access to healthy food, and mobility - Akron has the second highest rates of diabetes among the cities studied, and also ranked highly in other negative health indicators. Akron residents experience significant disparities in access to healthcare and health outcomes based on income and education level. Residents in low-income neighborhoods may have limited access to quality healthcare providers, leading to higher rates of preventable illnesses and chronic diseases. Additionally, the city has high rates of opioid overdose deaths, particularly among low-income and marginalized communities.

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Oxnard, CA​

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In Oxnard, California, there are significant disparities in environmental health, with low-income and minority communities facing higher levels of pollution and exposure to hazardous substances. The city is also home to a large agricultural industry, which has been linked to increased rates of respiratory illness and other health issues among farmworkers and their families.

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Rochester, NY​

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In Rochester, New York, there are significant disparities in health outcomes based on race and ethnicity. African American residents have higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions compared to white residents. Additionally, certain neighborhoods may lack access to healthy food options and safe outdoor spaces for exercise, contributing to higher rates of obesity and chronic disease. The city also has high rates of lead poisoning among children in certain neighborhoods, which can have long-term impacts on health and cognitive development.

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Boulder, CO​

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Boulder stands out as scoring well below other cities in negative health outcomes. In Boulder, Colorado, the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes is lower than the national average. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the obesity rate in Boulder County (where Boulder is located) was 19.3% in 2019, which is significantly lower than the national average. Similarly, the rate of high blood pressure in Boulder County is lower than the national average, with 22.6% of adults reporting they have high blood pressure. The rate of diabetes in Boulder County is also lower than the national average, with 4.4% of adults reporting they have diabetes. Boulder's active and health-conscious community, combined with its access to outdoor recreation, higher wealth attainment,  and healthy food options, may contribute to these lower rates of chronic disease.

PROMISING PRACTICES

A selection of ideas to inspire change. Download the report for a full list of recommendations and promising practices

Healthy Huntsville​

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Huntsville, Alabama has implemented a comprehensive Healthy Huntsville initiative, which includes a range of programs and activities to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases. The initiative includes initiatives like the Mayor's Bike Ride, which encourages cycling for transportation and recreation, and the Healthy Huntsville Farmers Market, which offers fresh, healthy foods. The city has also implemented a smoke-free ordinance to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

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Little Rock Fit 2 Live​

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Little Rock, Arkansas has implemented a number of initiatives to address the high rates of obesity and related chronic diseases in the city. The Fit 2 Live program offers free fitness classes and healthy cooking demonstrations in underserved neighborhoods, while the Little Rock Farmers' Market provides access to fresh, healthy foods. The city has also implemented Complete Streets policies to make streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Staying Fit

Allentown Healthy Corner Store​

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In Allentown, Pennsylvania, the city has implemented several initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and combat chronic diseases. Allentown has teamed up with The Food Trust to bring the Healthy Corner Store initiative to the city which works with store owners to ensure that residents have access to delicious, nutritious food and information to choose healthier options through in-store nutrition education, nutrition incentives and technical assistance.

Grocery Store Staff

Rochester ROC The Riverway​

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Rochester, New York has implemented a number of initiatives to address the high rates of chronic disease in the city, including the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities program, which promotes healthy eating and physical activity in underserved neighborhoods. The city also hosts a variety of community events and initiatives to promote physical activity, such as the ROC the Riverway initiative to promote use of the city's waterfront. The city is also home to several major hospitals and medical centers, which provide access to healthcare services for residents.

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*not really, I'm actually a student project by Justin Wheeler

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This site is a project for the Industry Challenge course of the Data Analysis and Visualization MPS program at the Maryland Institute College of Art.  This project uses real data and findings, but any findings or conclusions are those of the author and are not those of the US Conference of Mayors. No endorsement by the organization has been given or is implied.

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