Understanding Divergent Health Parameters in an Urban Black and Latino Neighborhood: The First Step to Improving Community Health

The Columbia University/New York Presbyterian (NYP) Family Medicine Residency Program serves a diverse underserved community, including a neighborhood identified as an area with health disparities and poor access to care defined by New York City zip code 10031. To better understand the health needs of this neighborhood, we utilized three data collection techniques. Initially, we preformed built environment assessments to map the community by its structured land, including green spaces, grocery stores, vacant lots, and banking centers. Our data showed a heterogeneous environment with significant changes in access to resources from street to street within the zip code. Secondly, focus groups and key informant interviews were held in the community to gain insight into the community's self-reported needs. Four themes emerged as barriers to healthy living: the high prevalence of chronic disease, low health literacy and education, poor health care access, and a resource-limited environment. Lastly, we completed health data analysis using state and local statistical databases for our zip code and the surrounding Washington Heights neighborhood. Data revealed African Americans had poorer health outcomes in managing chronic disease compared to Latino residents. Based on our findings, our program has five main goals for improving the health outcomes of the 10031 neighborhood: 1) Promote more comprehensive medical outreach programs. 2) Address both English and Spanish speaking populations with health outreach. 3) Strengthen collaboration between health institutions and the community. 4) Support efforts to improve the overall built environment. 5) Improve the quality of doctor- patient relationships in the community.