Black Americans are more likely than whites to die from a host of illnesses, from diabetes to heart disease and cancer, a new report says.
And where you live may be an even bigger factor than race, wealth or education in determining life expectancy, disease outcomes and other health issues, says the report, released Thursday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“Where you live can account for a two-decade difference in life expectancy,” said Dr. Mark McClellan, director of the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reformat the Brookings Institution
That?s true from the poorest black communities to the wealthiest white enclaves, the report said.
The foundation?s Commission to Build a Healthier America strives to find answers to the troubling health care questions raised in the report.
The commission will look at everything except the existing U.S. health care system, McClellan said, in an effort to find politically neutral, practical solutions to improving health in America?s diverse neighborhoods and cities.
“This commission is going to reach out to communities and conduct regional field hearings because we want to know what is being done in communities now that is making Americans healthier,” said David Williams, the commission?s staff director. “All Americans can do better.”
Commission members didn?t endorse specific programs, but noted “healthy-homes” programs similar to one launched by Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein.
As part of the program, city inspectors, partnering with health specialists, check homes for lead hazards and look for asthma triggers such as dust and vermin.
“I think the economic aspect is very important. Poor health can really pull down the economy in lots of ways,” Sharfstein said. “Certainly poor health undermines education.”
Baltimore is also looking at access to healthy food in the city?s neighborhoods, Sharfstein said.
A lack of healthy foods, fitness programs, and safe, clean parks for exercise were also identified in the foundation report as hurdles to better health nationwide.
