Today, the Baltimore City Health Department released the second Baltimore Community Health Survey (CHS) Summary Results Report. The report is based on a survey conducted in the fall of 2014 of 1,722 adults across Baltimore City, and is a follow up to the 2009 CHS.

The primary goals of the survey were to assess the health needs of city residents and identify gaps in access to health services. The survey also measured food access and housing security, among other factors affecting health in Baltimore City.

“Health equity is a key civil rights issue, and improving public health is powerful tool for social justice,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “The results within this report will help guide our next steps to accomplish this critical work.”

The report highlights several positive changes in the health of Baltimore City residents over the past five years, including:

• 36% decrease in the number of residents without health insurance;
• Increased awareness about how to combat sleep-related infant mortality; and
• Decreased levels of obesity and diabetes among African American populations.

The Baltimore City Health Department will use the results of the 2014 Community Health Survey to guide efforts in order to achieve healthcare equity for all residents.

“Though we have seen that some families across Baltimore are experiencing improved health outcomes since the first survey in 2009, there is still much work to be done,” said Dr. Wen. “Health is not just about healthcare, but also about families, neighborhoods, schools, and jobs. We are working to address disparities to create sustainable, healthy communities.”

To read the full report, please visit: http://health.baltimorecity.gov/BaltimoreCommunityHealthSurveyResults2014