Erie County examines health equity in annual report

The Erie County Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity released a 324-page report on health disparities in the region.

The 2023 Annual Report highlights programs and community survey results anchored by six social determinants of health, including: economic stability, neighborhood and built environment, health care systems, education, the social and community context and access to languages.

“Going forward, this report will inform local efforts to identify the root causes of systemic problems and better understand how people interact with systems that have a fundamental impact – positive or negative – on their health and quality of life. said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Health Commissioner.

The report found a correlation between race and ethnicity and people’s strengths and advantages. It also identified the challenges that marginalized groups face when accessing quality healthcare. Some of the barriers listed include affordability, education level, transportation and access to languages.

Erie County leaders said data collection and health equity are key to better serving marginalized groups of people and ensuring access to things like healthy food and health care. quality health.