Detroit, MI: Joy-Southfield Neighborhood Unites to Tackle Chronic Disease, Poverty and Other Barriers to Health
Detroit, MI, is one of the most racially segregated cities in the country, with high crime, poverty and unemployment; poor public transportation; and vast food deserts that prevent residents from easily accessing healthy foods. In 2011, the County Health Rankings ranked Wayne County—where Detroit is located—81 out of 82 counties in Michigan for health outcomes and dead last for health factors.
“Poor health in this country isn’t for lack of resources; it’s about investing in prevention,” Law said. “If we do a better job of preventing disease, health system reform will pay for itself. And preventing disease requires more than providing universal access to health care - we also need to address social and environmental factors that limit healthy options.”
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