Black residents of Los Angeles County experience the poorest health outcomes of any racial group, according to a new survey that reveals stark inequities in the health of different communities.
The 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey, presented Thursday by county health officials, found that Black Angelenos have the highest rates of high blood pressure, asthma and obesity. Latino residents face the highest rates of diabetes and COVID-19.
“Our work is to make sure that this information never gets used to perpetuate false narratives, but is always used to drive action to promote equitable health outcomes,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the L.A. County health department.
The survey highlights strong connections between social factors and health. About two-thirds of Black and Latino residents are housing burdened, spending over 30% of income on housing, compared to 43% of White and Asian residents.
Food insecurity affects 35% of Black and Latino households, versus 16% of Asian and 14% of White households. Over a third of Black adults reported difficulty regularly eating healthy foods.
“This data that we see is not the result of any individual or household choices,” said Dipa Shah-Patel (above) of the health department. “We’re talking about the results of structural racism, systemic biases, historical redlining and divestment in communities.”
Health officials plan to use the survey results to guide public health campaigns, including efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption in low-income neighborhoods. Nearly half of Latino adults reported drinking at least one sugary beverage daily in 2023, up from 39% in 2015.
See “Survey reveals stark inequities in health of Black and Latino Angelenos” (March 29, 2024)
