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Putting the Pieces Together for a Healthy Community

Putting the Pieces Together for a Healthy Community. Lynne Mitchell Forsyth County Health Summit January 15, 2008. Racial Inequalities. An African-American in Forsyth County is 30% more likely to die in an average year of his/her life that a white person

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Putting the Pieces Together for a Healthy Community

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  1. Putting the Pieces Together for a Healthy Community Lynne Mitchell Forsyth County Health Summit January 15, 2008

  2. Racial Inequalities • An African-American in Forsyth County is 30% more likely to die in an average year of his/her life that a white person • An African-American infant born in Forsyth County is nearly 3 time more likely to die before his/her 1st birthday than a white infant

  3. Obesity Trends* Among U.S. AdultsBRFSS,1990, 1998, 2006 (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5’4” person) 1998 1990 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

  4. Society State or Federal Government Policy and Laws Community City and County Government Ordinances Organizational Worksites, schools or faith institutions Interpersonal Programs targeting family, friends, social networks Individual Programs/grants targeting individuals

  5. Healthy foods in worksite vending machines Schools banning exclusive contracts with soft drink companies Tobacco-free laws Affordable housing ordinances Minimum wage legislation Sales tax dedicated to specific areas such as the ½ penny transit tax in Charlotte Sidewalk ordinances Seat belt laws Examples of policies, laws, and ordinances that support health

  6. “Unfortunately, many Americans live on the outskirts of hope--some because of their poverty, and some because of their color, and all too many because of both. Our task is to help replace their despair with opportunity.”President Lyndon B. Johnson, State of the Union Address, January 8, 1964

  7. Poverty • The Federal Minimum Wage is $5.85/hour or $12,168/year (effective July 24, 2007) • July 24, 2008 the federal minimum wage increases to $6.55 per hour or $13,624/year. • July 24,2009 the federal minimum wage increases to $7.25 per hour or $15,080/year. • The North Carolina minimum wage is $6.15/hour or $12,792/year (effective January 1, 2007)

  8. Economic development is important for bringing in new and better paying jobs. What about those workers that support the people in good paying jobs? Waiter staff Teachers assistants Janitors Housekeepers Child care assistants Fast food workers Convenience store clerks Laborers Mechanics Nursing assistants

  9. Working for a Living • 42% of North Carolina’s workers do not get paid sick leave benefits • More than 1.3 million people under age 65 are uninsured in North Carolina, including some 240,000 children • Nearly 740,000 North Carolina households—including working families, the elderly, and the disabled—lack affordable, safe housing.

  10. Federal Poverty Guidelines • Family of 1 is $10,210/year or $4.91/hour • Family of 2 is $13,690/year or $6.58/hour • Family of 3 is $17,170/year or $8.25/hour • Family of 4 is $20,650/year or $9.93/hour Add $3,480 for each additional family member

  11. Health Programs • Medicaid 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for <6 years, 100% of FPG for 6-18 years • Health Choice (SCHIP) Up to 200% of FPG • NC Kids’ Care 200-300% of FPG Family of 4 is $20,650/year or $9.93/hour

  12. Poverty and Schools • In November 2007, 46.67% of K-12 WSFC school children qualified for free or reduced price meals • Free meal eligibility is up to 130% of Federal Poverty Guidelines ($26,845 for a family of 4) • Reduced meal eligibility is up to 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines ($38,203 for a family of 4) Source: Federal Register, Vol. 72, No. 38, February 27,2007

  13. School Performance

  14. Changing the Conversation • Health is more than healthcare • Social conditions determine health as much as genetics and personal behaviors

  15. Charity is important but it is not a long term solution

  16. Lyndon B. Johnson declared in his January 1964 Economic Report of the President that: Today, as in the past, higher employment and speedier economic growth are the cornerstones of a concerted attack on poverty...But general prosperity and growth leave untouched many of the roots of human poverty. Source: Sheldon Danziger, Henry J. Meyer Collegiate Professor of Public Policy Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan January 8, 2004

  17. Community Dialogue • A PBS Documentary Series • Community viewings

  18. Don't be poor. If you can, stop. If you can't, try not to be poor for long. Live near good supermarkets and affordable fresh produce stores. Live in a safe leafy neighborhood with parks and green space nearby. Work in a rewarding and respected job with good compensation, benefits, and control over your work. If you work, don’t lose your job or get laid off. Take family vacations and all the benefits you are entitled to. Make sure you have wealthy parents. Don’t live in damp, low-quality housing, near a busy road or polluting factory. Be sure to own a car, so you don’t have to rely on public transportation. Learn how to fill out the complex housing benefit application forms before you become homeless and destitute. 10 Tips for Better HealthWhat Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You From UNNATURAL CAUSES: IS INEQUALITY MAKING US SICK?

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