Erie County Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity recently published a comprehensive 324-page report on the health disparities present in the area. The annual Health Equity Report for 2023, which focuses on six social determinants of health and includes findings from community surveys and programs in the region, highlights key findings.
The report specifically examines the impact of economic stability, neighborhood and built environment, health care systems, education, social and community context, and language access on health outcomes. Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health, emphasized the significance of using this report to identify root causes of health disparities and improve health equity initiatives in the region.
Key findings from the report highlight the correlation between race and ethnicity and the challenges individuals face in accessing quality health care and securing assets. The report stresses the importance of understanding how systemic issues impact people’s health and quality of life.
Among the barriers identified in the report are affordability, education levels, transportation issues, and language access for marginalized groups seeking quality health care. Erie County leaders stress the importance of collecting and analyzing data on health equity to better serve vulnerable populations and ensure access to essential resources like healthy food and healthcare services.
