Roanoke's Collective Public Health Activities

Area of Science:

• Urban Health
• Health Equity
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Significant health and life expectancy disparities exist between neighborhoods in many U.S. cities.
• These disparities are often rooted in decades of racial and economic segregation, leading to disinvested communities.
• Underserved neighborhoods typically face challenges including limited green spaces, housing instability, inadequate public transit, and fewer healthcare and educational resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the complex health challenges prevalent in small and medium-sized cities.
• To identify and characterize specific underserved areas within Roanoke experiencing health disparities.
• To inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing health inequities.

Main Methods:

• Geographic analysis to identify underserved neighborhoods (northwest and southeast quadrants).
• Assessment of community characteristics, including park access, housing stability, transit, healthcare facilities, food environment, and school quality.
• Identification of populations with specific insurance statuses (uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid recipients).

Main Results:

• Roanoke's northwest and southeast quadrants are identified as Medically Underserved Areas.
• These areas exhibit a concentration of low-income individuals and families.
• The identified quadrants face multiple socioeconomic and environmental disadvantages impacting health outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Roanoke's underserved areas face compounded challenges stemming from historical segregation.
• Addressing health disparities requires a multifaceted approach targeting socioeconomic and environmental factors.
• Targeted interventions are crucial for improving health equity in these communities.