Summary
The Latino Health Assessment provides a snapshot of the Latino community’s health status. It includes information on education, employment, income, safe and stable housing, and access to quality health care. It also links the current health status of Latino residents to historical, political, and economic forces. By making these connections, government entities and other organizations can take action to ensure that Latino residents have what they need to thrive.
Findings: Latinos have the highest percentage of households living in poverty (38%). In addition, the county’s Latino population has the lowest per capita income. Poverty and competing priorities may be one contributor to the low proportion of Latino children who are ready for kindergarten, starting a trajectory that disadvantages children in their education and future opportunities. The distress and strain in the Latino community also manifest as behavioral and mental health challenges. In addition, Latino men experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and liver disease, leading to premature death. Latino men have higher rates of substance abuse, including binge drinking. Latina mothers often face many barriers leading to inadequate health care and negative health outcomes during pregnancy and childbirth, including lower levels of prenatal care and gestational diabetes, as well as higher levels of food insecurity during pregnancy.
