New York State 2021 Health Equity Reports

Health outcomes can differ among groups of people. Some groups are more negatively affected than others because of social, economic, or environmental disadvantage related to life circumstances, discrimination or exclusion. Oftentimes, these experiences are associated with race and/or ethnicity. The difference in health outcomes among groups is referred to as health disparity.

To address health disparities, we must first be able to identify and measure them. Having good data is critical to these efforts. The Department has been providing state and county level data on health disparities since 2007.

For the second time, the New York State 2021 Health Equity Report series presents data on health outcomes, demographics, and other community characteristics for cities and towns with a 40% or greater non-White population throughout New York State. Each town or city specific report contains data associated with the priority areas of the Prevention Agenda 2019-2024 (New York State’s Health Improvement Plan), as well as social determinant indicators such as housing, educational attainment and insurance coverage.

Having data available at this level can assist communities and policymakers with identifying disparities and their consequences. They can also be used to:

  • Understand and identify priorities;
  • Mobilize communities;
  • Target health related interventions; and
  • Promote health equity.

Of the communities identified, thirty-seven (37) had sufficient health indicator data to produce a report:

We encourage readers to review other neighborhood or community-level reports as well, such as the New York State Prevention Agenda 2019-2024 Tracking Dashboard, and the New York City Community Health Profiles.

For more information about the 2021 Health Equity Report series, please contact the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities at omhhdp@health.ny.gov.

Title 2-F of the New York State Public Health Law requires the Department to issue a biennial report on the health status of racial and ethnic populations in § 240(2) Minority Areas (cities and towns with a 40% or greater non-White population).