City of Boston

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled a new initiative Wednesday aimed at reducing racial disparities in life expectancy across the city. Dubbed the “Live Long and Well” agenda, the effort is a partnership between the city, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), and , with a $10 million investment from Atrius Health Equity Foundation.

 

The plan addresses stark health inequities revealed by BPHC data, including a 23-year difference in life expectancy between Back Bay and Roxbury residents. It focuses on three main causes of premature death: cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, and accidental drug overdoses, with cardiometabolic disease as the top priority.

 

“Boston is a city that is rich with high quality health care resources. Yet, we have long-standing gaps in life expectancy and other health outcomes by race, ethnicity and neighborhood,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, BPHC executive director.

 

The 2023 Health of Boston report found Black residents died of heart disease at a 37% higher rate and diabetes at a 220% higher rate compared to white residents. The BPHC plans to publish a detailed report on the agenda later this year, with funding proposals expected to open this fall.

 

See “Boston Mayor Wu unveils health equity agenda to improve racial disparities in life expectancy” (July 10, 2024)