The Erie County Department of Health’s Office of Health Equity released a 324-page report on the area’s health disparities.

What You Need To Know

  • The Erie County Department of Health's Office of Health Equity released its annual Health Equity Report for 2023   

  • It is a 324-page document highlighting programs and community survey results regarding six social determinants of health

  • Key findings include the correlation between race and ethnicity to heightened challenges accessing quality health care and securing assets

The 2023 Annual Report highlights programs and community survey results anchored by six social determinants of health which include: economic stability, neighborhood and built environment, health care systems, education, social and community context, and language access.

“Moving forward, this report will inform local efforts to identify root causes of systemic issues and establish a deeper understanding of how people interact with systems that have a fundamental impact - positive or negative - on their health and quality of life.” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health.

The report found a correlation between race and ethnicity to people’s assets and advantages. It also identified the challenges marginalized groups face when accessing quality health care. Some of the barriers it lists include affordability, education level, transportation and language access.

Erie County leaders said data collection and surrounding health equity is crucial to better serving marginalized groups of people and ensuring access to things like healthy food and quality health care.