A recent Los Angeles County Health Survey has uncovered significant health disparities among Latino and Black residents, with higher rates of chronic conditions and COVID-19 infections compared to other racial groups. The 2023 survey, conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, examined various social determinants of health, including housing, economic security, and discrimination.
Latino adults in Los Angeles County face disproportionate health inequities, with the highest diabetes rates (13.5%) among all racial groups. Nearly half of Latino adults reporte daily consumption of sugary beverages, and 35% experienced food insecurity. The survey also revealed that 65.1% of Latino adults reported having had COVID-19, significantly higher than the county average of 57.8%.
Black adults showed concerning health trends as well, with 38% reporting high blood pressure diagnoses compared to 24.4% of Latino and 25.7% of Asian adults. They also experienced higher rates of asthma, obesity, and diabetes. Additionally, 15% of Black adults reported frequent discrimination, compared to 9.5% of Latinos.
Barbara Ferrer, director of the LA County Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of using this data responsibly, stating, “Our work is to make sure that this information never gets used to perpetuate false narratives but is always used to drive action to promote equitable health outcomes and to really look hard at what it’s going to take to be able to realize a more just society.” The survey results will inform public health campaigns aimed at addressing these racial health disparities in Los Angeles County.
See “Los Angeles Survey Highlights Health Inequities in Latinos” (April 5, 2024)
