Action Area:
Health Outcomes

Key Healthiest State Measure:
Health Disparities

Health disparities are differences in the incidence or prevalence of illnesses, injuries, deaths or receipt of health services between sub-groups within the population. In Washington, these disparities are prominent between racially, ethnically, economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and others. Washington cannot become the Healthiest State in the Nation if disparities persist in illness rates and in the health care received by our state's racial and ethnic minorities.

The Washington Health Foundation (WHF) supports implementation of the Governor's Health Disparities Coordinating Council, cultural competency training for health professionals and the other elements of last year's health disparities legislative initiative.

In 2007, WHF will work for increased emphasis on racial and ethnic minorities in continued efforts at tobacco cessation, elimination of the education achievement gap through greater attention to minorities in early learning, K-12 literacy, math and science, drop out prevention and other targeted programs. Additionally, we will continue to support greater opportunities for people of color to enter the health care workforce.

Background & Summary:

Health Disparities Background & Summary

Health Disparities across the Lifespan:
Selected Medical Conditions and Risk Factors in Washington State
In 2006, the FSDB (First Steps Database) found that African American infants have the highest rate of low birth weight at 9.l%, which is more than double that of white infants (4.1%). African Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders also have the highest rates of Infant Mortality, with 10.9% and 11.4% respectively. This is more than triple that of Asian Americans (3.3%) and double that of White and Hispanic infants (5.2% and 5.0%, respectively). To read more about infant, childhood, and adult outcomes, click on the PDF below.

Disparities by Disease

Infant Mortality and SIDS
The First Steps Database (FSDB) found that enhancing prenatal services for mothers and infants has reduced rates of Infant Mortality and SIDS in Washington State 1990s for all racial groups except Infant Mortality rates American Indians. Regardless, the death rates among African Americans and American Indians remain higher than rates for white infants, though the gap has narrowed since the 1980s. However, for Medicaid infants, disparities between whites and African Americans have been eliminated, though only reduced between whites and American Indians. http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/ms/rda/research/9/81.pdf.

Key Health and Health Care Indicators by Race/Ethnicity and State
In April 2007, the Kaiser Family Foundation compared national and state rates of six different health and health care indicators: Infant Mortality, Diabetes-Related Mortality, Annual AIDS cases, those living in poverty, those with Medicaid, and those uninsured. These measures were compared among Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics/Other. http://www.kff.org/minorityhealth/upload/7633.pdf.

Related News Articles:

"A Surprising Secret to a Long Life: Stay in School" The New York Times

"Giving Everyone the Health of the Educated" American Journal of Public Health [4.91 MB]

2007 Washington State Legislative Bill Watch: