Key Health Challenges

• Higher Rates of Chronic Conditions: Communities often experience elevated rates of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and asthma. For example, studies show that 15% of adults in underserved communities have diabetes compared to 8% nationally.
• Limited Preventive Care: Access to preventive care and effective chronic disease management is frequently restricted. Only 30% of individuals in underserved areas receive regular check-ups, compared to 60% in more affluent areas.
• Higher Mortality Rates: Chronic diseases contribute to higher mortality rates. For instance, heart disease is the leading cause of death in underserved populations, accounting for 40% of all deaths, compared to 30% in more affluent groups.
• Economic Burden: The economic impact of chronic diseases is significant, with families in underserved communities spending an average of 20% more on medical expenses related to chronic conditions than their wealthier counterparts.