Our recent analysis of new Census data highlighted how racial disparities continue to persist in Minnesota, and today a new report examines the issue more closely here in the Twin Cities. The new study – commissioned by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation and conducted by Wilder Research – examines the connections between health outcomes, neighborhood incomes, and race.
Here’s how Blue Cross Foundation and Wilder Research describe some of the key findings:
- An increase of $10,000 in an area’s median income is associated with a full year gain in life expectancy.
- Life expectancy varies greatly by race in the Twin Cities, ranging from a high of 83 years for Asians to a low of 61.5 years for American Indians. Overall life expectancy is 80.6 years.
- Children born into the highest income/lowest poverty areas can expect to live 8 years longer than those born into the lowest income/highest poverty areas.
The Minnesota Budget Project was one of several groups asked to respond to the report’s findings, and reflect on what can be done to reduce health inequities.
The disparities existing today in health outcomes and income should be a concern for all in our region. Income inequality, with persistent disparities between whites and people of color, contradicts our most deeply held values. Minnesotans believe that hard work should pay off, that people who work full time should be able to support their families, and that everyone who is willing to work should have the opportunity to succeed. Gaps like those in the Twin Cities today make people distant from each other. That distance undermines our sense of shared destiny. It weakens trust in our public institutions.
The economic future and quality of life in the Twin Cities depend on everyone having access to opportunity. That means quality jobs, a good education and all the things that make for a healthy life. Deep economic and racial disparities that exist today in incomes and health outcomes are an obstacle to this goal.
That’s how our response paper begins…be sure to check out the full report, our response and more.
-Nan Madden
