D224 Task 1 Health Disparities Among African Americans in Union City

D224 Task 1 Health Disparities Among African Americans in Union City

Order ready-to-submit essays - 100% plagiarism-free guaranteed!

Note: Our papers are 100% human-written. 

Student Name

Western Governors University 

E224 Global and Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

Local City and a Subpopulation at Risk

What is the local city and subpopulation under consideration?

The local community examined is Union City, Georgia, with a specific focus on African American residents living below the federal poverty level. This subpopulation experiences heightened vulnerability due to persistent socioeconomic inequities, including limited income, restricted access to healthcare, and inadequate housing stability. These intersecting challenges significantly influence health outcomes, resource availability, and overall quality of life, placing this group at elevated risk for adverse physical and mental health conditions.

What is the size of the community and specific subpopulation?

Union City has an estimated population exceeding 27,000 residents, making it a moderately sized suburban community within the Atlanta metropolitan area. African Americans constitute the overwhelming majority of residents, representing approximately 85.9% of the population. This same group accounts for the largest proportion of individuals living in poverty, underscoring a disproportionate burden of economic hardship within the city.

What are the gender demographics?

The gender composition of Union City reflects a higher proportion of females compared to males, as summarized below:

Gender	Percentage (%)
Male	44.7
Female	55.3

This gender distribution is relevant when examining poverty trends, as women—particularly older women—are more likely to experience economic instability and health-related vulnerabilities.

What is the racial composition of Union City?

Union City is predominantly African American, with minimal racial diversity compared to surrounding areas. The racial breakdown is presented below:

Race	Percentage (%)
African American	85.9
White	3.9
Hispanic	3.8
Two or more races	3.1

This demographic profile emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive public health and social interventions tailored to African American communities.

What is the average income and educational attainment?

The average annual income in Union City is approximately $28,110, reflecting limited economic mobility for many residents. From an educational standpoint, 88.7% of residents have obtained at least a high school diploma, suggesting moderate educational attainment. However, disparities persist in postsecondary education, which limits access to higher-paying employment opportunities and long-term financial stability.

What percentage of the population lives in poverty?

Union City reports an overall poverty rate of 12.4%. African Americans living below the poverty line account for 6.1% of the total population, highlighting the unequal distribution of economic hardship. These poverty levels are closely associated with increased health risks, reduced healthcare utilization, and higher rates of chronic disease.

What are the crime rates in Union City?

Crime data indicate elevated levels of both violent and property-related offenses, which can negatively affect community safety and mental well-being. The distribution of reported crimes is shown below:

Crime Type	Percentage (%)
Murders	13.5
Rapes	22.5
Robberies	35.0
Assaults	69.0
Burglaries	92.0

High crime rates contribute to chronic stress, reduced physical activity, and diminished perceptions of safety, all of which adversely impact population health.

What are the common occupations in Union City?

Employment in Union City is largely concentrated in office-based, service, and administrative roles. While these positions provide employment opportunities, many offer limited wages, minimal benefits, and inadequate health insurance coverage, reinforcing cycles of economic vulnerability.

What is the access to healthcare, transportation, and food like?

Access to essential services varies across the community. Transportation is predominantly automobile-dependent, with 82.5% of residents commuting by driving alone, limiting mobility for individuals without reliable vehicles. Food access is supported by approximately 190 food retail outlets, though affordability and nutritional quality remain concerns for low-income households. Notably, only 16.8% of residents report having health insurance, indicating significant barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management.

What are the health and nutrition statistics?

Approximately 48.6% of Union City residents experience health and nutrition-related challenges, including food insecurity, obesity, and unmanaged chronic conditions. These issues are often linked to limited income, restricted access to healthy foods, and inadequate healthcare utilization.

What environmental concerns affect the subpopulation?

African Americans living below the poverty line in Union City face critical environmental challenges, particularly limited access to adequate sanitation and stable housing. Poor sanitation increases the prevalence of hygiene-related illnesses, while homelessness restricts access to clean water, safe shelter, and consistent healthcare. These conditions are further exacerbated by Georgia’s relatively high cost of living, which limits access to essential services for economically disadvantaged residents.

How do the demographics of this subpopulation compare to the broader community, and what health concerns are supported by the data?

African Americans represent both the majority population and the largest group affected by poverty in Union City. Women between the ages of 55–64 comprise the largest segment of individuals living in poverty, followed by women aged 75 and older and those aged 35–44. Issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and inadequate access to clean water and housing contribute to negative physical and mental health outcomes. National data indicate that among homeless populations, approximately 20% experience mental illness, while 16% suffer from conditions such as substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease (Hunger, Homelessness and Mental Health: HOPE Is Here, 2021).

What is one social determinant of health (SDOH) affecting this community?

Low income is a critical social determinant of health influencing this community. Persistent economic instability increases exposure to health risks, limits access to preventive care, and contributes to higher rates of morbidity and premature mortality among African American residents.

How does low income affect health outcomes?

Economic hardship restricts access to nutritious food, safe housing, and comprehensive healthcare services. It also increases susceptibility to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which may lead to substance misuse and chronic disease development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, African Americans in Georgia experienced disproportionately high mortality rates, reflecting long-standing inequities in healthcare access and socioeconomic conditions (Shannon et al., 2022).

What are the primary community health concerns?

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and chronic illness in Georgia and disproportionately affects low-income African Americans. Additional concerns include limited healthcare provider availability, insufficient insurance coverage, and delayed medical treatment, all of which exacerbate disease severity.

What health issues drive emergency room visits and hospital admissions?

Injuries are among the most common causes of emergency department visits and hospital admissions within this population, reflecting environmental risks, occupational hazards, and limited access to preventive care (Weiss & Jiang, 2021).

What factors are reducing the quality of life in the community?

The scarcity of affordable housing, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and widespread lack of insurance significantly diminish quality of life. These factors perpetuate health disparities, social instability, and long-term economic insecurity for residents.

What resources currently support the subpopulation in addressing social determinants of health?

Several programs provide essential support, as summarized below:

Resource	Description
SNAP	Provides financial assistance for food purchases, improving food security.
Medicaid and Medicare	Offer affordable healthcare coverage for eligible low-income individuals and those with chronic conditions.

What additional resources are needed to address social determinants of health?

Although programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Peachtree for Kids, and local food banks provide vital assistance, additional resources are necessary. Expanded educational initiatives to improve high school and college completion rates would enhance employment opportunities and income stability. Furthermore, increased mental health services addressing depression, substance use, and co-occurring disorders are essential. Investments in education and mental health infrastructure could substantially reduce poverty and improve long-term health outcomes.

What evidence-based intervention can address the resource gap in healthcare?

An evidence-based intervention involves reducing the Black–White wealth gap, which perpetuates health inequities. Structural and historical barriers have restricted wealth accumulation among African Americans, directly influencing access to healthcare and other resources. Post–COVID-19 data show that White households recovered financially more rapidly than Black households, which experienced prolonged economic hardship (Brookings, 2022). Addressing these inequities requires comprehensive public policy reforms, targeted income supports, and strengthened social safety nets.

How will this intervention reduce the resource gap?

Closing the wealth gap through equitable fiscal policies and financial assistance would enhance access to healthcare, education, and stable housing for African American communities. Reducing economic stressors would lower disease risk, improve mental health, and strengthen resilience against future economic disruptions, ultimately promoting health equity.

---

References

Brookings. (2022, March 9). The Black-white wealth gap left Black households more vulnerable. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-black-white-wealth-gap-left-blackhouseholds-more-vulnerable/

Hunger, homelessness and mental health: HOPE is here. (2021, November 8). https://gahope.org/hunger-homelessness-and-mental-health-hope-is-here/

Shannon, J., Abraham, A. J., Adams, G. B., & Hauer, M. (2022). Racial disparities for COVID-19 mortality in Georgia: Spatial analysis by age based on excess deaths. Social Science & Medicine, 292, 114549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114549

Union City, GA | Data USA. (n.d.). Data USA. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/union-city-ga

D224 Task 1 Health Disparities Among African Americans in Union City

Union City, Georgia (GA 30291) profile: Population, maps, real estate, averages, homes, statistics, relocation, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, moving, houses, news, sex offenders. (n.d.). City-Data. https://www.city-data.com/city/Union-City-Georgia.html

Weiss, A., & Jiang, H. (2021). Statistical brief #286: Emergency department visits for frequent conditions. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb286-ED-Frequent-Conditions-2018.pdf