Poverty: a major deterrent to America's good health

Poverty has a major impact on the nation's state of health. Although its effects are difficult to separate from that of old age and the problems of minorities, there are definite correlations between indicators of economic well being and mortality/morbidity rates United States vital statistics and extensive health interview surveys provide ample documentation of the role of poverty as a health determinant. The success the Indian Health Service has had in lowering mortality rates mirrors the nation's as a whole and demonstrates what can be done if socioeconomic conditions, as well as health care delivery, is improved. The message should not be lost sight of it this era of cutbacks in social programs.