Latino Health Disparities in Santa Clara County: A Wake-Up Call

The Latino community in Santa Clara County faces serious health challenges. These issues are not new, but a recent health assessment has brought them into sharp focus. The report highlights that Latinos in the county experience higher rates of gun violence, obesity, and deaths from diabetes and heart disease compared to the average resident. This is a significant problem that needs urgent attention. The report shows that Latinos make up about 25% of the county's population. Despite this, they often have worse health outcomes than their white and Asian neighbors. They also earn lower wages on average and have lower rates of health insurance. This combination of factors creates a perfect storm of health disparities. Between 2017 and 2021, more than half of the nonfatal emergency department visits related to firearms involved Latino residents. During the same period, nearly half of the homicide victims were Latino. These statistics are alarming and point to a deeper issue of violence and safety within the community. Access to healthcare is another major concern. Between 2017 and 2021, only 88% of Latinos aged 19 to 64 had health insurance, compared to 94% of all county residents in that age group. Nearly half of Latino adults delayed medical care in the past year due to cost or lack of insurance. This is significantly higher than the countywide average of 34%. The Latino population is heavily concentrated in East San Jose and South County. In 2023, the density of tobacco retailers in East San Jose was more than double the rest of the county. In South County, residents have to travel nearly three times farther to reach a grocery store. These factors contribute to poor health outcomes and highlight the need for better access to healthy resources. The 157-page health assessment will be discussed by the Board of Supervisors. County officials have recommended several actions, including creating a cultural facility in South County for Latino residents, investing more in early childhood programs, and enhancing existing healthcare services. Community leaders see the report as a call to action. They believe it provides a roadmap for addressing the health disparities faced by the Latino community. The report also highlights the need for better education and healthcare systems that serve the community's unique needs. The report found that fewer Latino students are ready for kindergarten, meet third-grade math proficiency standards, graduate high school, and complete a bachelor's degree compared to the overall county population. This educational gap is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to break the cycle of poverty and improve health outcomes. Despite the challenges, community leaders remain hopeful. They see the report as a positive step towards creating solutions. They believe it can lead to better treatment, education, and healthcare for the Latino community. The goal is to ensure that every resident in Santa Clara County has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.