April is National Minority Health Month, so this month we’re shedding light on the health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minority communities, just like those in Price Hill.
According to the City of Cincinnati’s 2021 Neighborhood Profiles, over 35% of residents in Lower Price Hill are African American/Black. In East Price Hill, 35% identify as African American/Black, and about 32% are Hispanic/Latino or from other racial and ethnic minority groups. These numbers have continued to grow over the past four years. While these neighborhoods are rich in cultural diversity, the statistics on health inequalities in these communities are deeply concerning:
- Lower Price Hill residents are at extreme risk of lead paint exposure, cancer, respiratory diseases, water pollution, and more.
- The average life expectancy for Lower Price Hill residents is a mere 62.9 years.
- Over 72% of residents in Lower Price Hill live in poverty, impacting access to essential health services.
- East Price Hill leads Cincinnati in years of life lost due to drug overdoses, with 56 deaths between 2020 and 2022.
- At Santa Maria Community Services, we see the real impact of these disparities every day. Many of our program participants face barriers like language access, transportation, lack of insurance, and low income. That’s why we walk alongside our neighbors, working to close these gaps together.
Through our Wellness program, we provide referrals for health screenings, mental health support, education, and direct services. We help individuals take steps toward better health for themselves and their families—because everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy life, no matter their circumstances. We also offer one-on-one health education, so families can better understand their care options and build healthier habits. For many, this program is their first step toward managing chronic conditions, accessing mental health care, or getting medical support in general.
“When you’re worried about putting food on the table and being able to pay your rent and utilities, medical care is the last thing on your list of worries,” says Santa Maria’s Director of Supportive Services, Hillary Williams. “Sadly, for those we serve, physical well-being often doesn’t take priority until it hits its crisis stages, so we’re trying to set people up to be more proactive about their health. We work hard to provide trustworthy resources that they can safely access.”
We know that better health starts with trust, education, and access. We also understand that improving health outcomes means looking at the whole picture: access to care, trust in providers, stable housing, income, education, and more.
Together, we can work toward healthier futures for everyone in Price Hill.
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