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Our Data Understanding Health Disparities
Image by Adeolu Eletu
At Love Begins At Home, we work to support families and communities facing health and social disparities. Understanding the challenges different groups face helps us shape our programs, volunteer initiatives, and community support. Below is an overview of key data highlighting areas where your support can make a difference.
Challenges Facing African American Communities
10.6%
of African Americans were uninsured in 2017, compared with 5.9% of non-Hispanic whites.
13.8%
reported having fair or poor health, vs. 8.3% of non-Hispanic whites.
#1
African Americans have the highest mortality rate for all cancers combined among racial and ethnic groups.
8.7%
In 2018, fewer African American adults got mental health care than the 18.6% of white adults.
Why it matters: These gaps show the importance of targeted health and community support programs in African American neighborhoods.
Challenges Facing Hispanic / Latinx Communities
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16.1% of Hispanics were uninsured in 2017, vs. 5.9% of non-Hispanic whites.
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21.5% of Hispanic adults over age 20 have diabetes, compared with 13% of white adults.
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Only 8.8% received mental health services in 2018, compared with 18.6% of non-Hispanic white adults.
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Puerto Rican infant mortality rate was 40% higher than non-Hispanic whites in 2017.
Why it matters: These numbers highlight the need for accessible health education and supportive programs for Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Challenges Facing Asian Communities
35x
Tuberculosis was 35 times more common in Asian Americans than in non-Hispanic whites (2017).
6.3%
of Asian American adults received mental health services in 2018.
#1
Suicide was the leading cause of death for Asian Americans ages 15–24 in 2017.
8x
Asian Americans are twice as likely to develop chronic hepatitis B and eight times more likely to die from it than non-Hispanic whites.
Why it matters: Focused health programs and mental health awareness are essential for Asian communities, especially youth.
Challenges Facing Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Communities
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Higher rates of smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity compared with other populations.
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Only 10.9% received mental health services in 2018 vs. 18.6% of non-Hispanic whites.
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Highest mortality rate for all cancer types (2013–2015).
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80% more likely to be obese compared with non-Hispanic whites in 2016.
Why it matters: Health education, preventive care, and community wellness programs are crucial for this group.
Challenges Facing American Indian & Alaska Native Communities
14.9%
uninsured in 2017, vs. 5.9% of non-Hispanic whites.
17.4%
reported fair or poor health vs. 8.3% of non-Hispanic whites.
#1
Highest cigarette smoking rates among all racial and ethnic groups.
#2
Suicide was the second-leading cause of death among ages 10–34 in 2017.
Why it matters: Intervention programs for youth mental health, smoking cessation, and preventive care are vital.
Health Challenges in the LGBTQ+ Community
LGBT youth are 2–3 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Higher risk of homelessness among LGBT youth.
Lesbians less likely to receive preventive cancer services.
Lesbians & bisexual females more likely to be overweight or obese.
Gay men at higher risk for HIV and STDs, especially in communities of color.
Transgender individuals face higher prevalence of HIV/STDs, victimization, mental health issues, and insurance gaps.
Elderly LGBT individuals face isolation and lack of culturally competent healthcare.
LGBT populations show highest rates of tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.
Why it matters: Health education, preventive care, and community wellness programs are crucial for this group.
Key Takeaways
01
Significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes exist across racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ populations.
02
Mental health access is consistently lower in marginalized communities.
03
Targeted programs, volunteer support, and community initiatives can reduce these gaps and improve lives.
Sources
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Center for American Progress, Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity (2020) – View Full Fact Sheet
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HealthyPeople.gov, LGBT Health Data – View Source