The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected three National Health Observances to raise awareness about nutrition, colorectal cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Several data layers exist within RocHealthData.org about these health topics.
The 5-year (2016-2020) American Community Survey (ACS) census-tract level data show high rates of childhood poverty in the City of Rochester. However, these data do not show the full extent and variability in these data, as many high-rate tracts are lumped into a single category.
Map layers and report data are updated regularly at RocHealthData. Recently available layers include heat index data, the 2021 FEMA National Risk Index, internet usage at broadband speeds. and drought monitoring data (which is updated weekly).
What does this wide variety of topics have in common? All are represented as data layers in RocHealthData.
Data show that tree coverage in our neighborhoods is related to many other things. Census tracts with sparse tree coverage have higher summer temperatures, higher rates of poor mental health, and higher rates of poverty.
Substance abuse prevention plays a pivotal role in community and public health. In 2021 more than 100,000 people in the US died from a drug overdose, with a predicted 6.7% increase nationally for 2022.
The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of students in Monroe County reports that 8% of high school students overall attempted suicide in 2019, with females having more suicidal behaviors than males.
Racial and ethnic minorities face unique struggles regarding their mental health and wellbeing. Data show that the Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index varies widely between counties, as does the tract-level poverty level data.
While New York State has a relatively low risk of wildfires, for much of the southern and western parts of the US, wildfires and the resulting smoke are serious issues.
Language arts test scores in the Rochester area vary widely by county and school district. One organization helping to raise those scores is Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester.