Online Data Shows Delta Health Disparities

The Delta Regional Authority released new health data that highlights “significant health challenges” for the Delta region of the U.S.

The authority’s online Healthy Delta Research Database provides in-depth data reports of health as well as other major community indicators for the region broken down by state and county. The data is being released in order to improve public health in the Delta region.

“In order to treat a problem, you must be able to track that problem and this tool enables us to do just that,” DRA Chairman Chris Masingill said. “Community leaders and health professionals will now have more comprehensive tools to identify the challenges our people face and work to find solutions for a healthier Delta region.”

One key finding from the report noted that compared with national rates, deaths in the Delta region from circulatory diseases are 16 percent higher, deaths from cancer are 12 percent higher and deaths from motor vehicle accidents are 39 percent higher.

More than 32 percent of adults in the Delta report that they are obese – compared to 26 percent in non-Delta counties – and almost 12 percent report that they have Diabetes, compared to 8.9 percent in non-Delta counties.

You can access the full report here.

The Delta Regional Authority works on economic and health issues in 252 counties and parishes in an 8-state footprint of the U.S. Delta region.