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This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) gave the world some food for thought. In light of compelling evidence that the consumption of processed meat and red meat increased consumers' chances of developing colorectal cancer, WHO recommends that people everywhere reduce their intake of these foods. 
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November 5, 2015 
Health Status Across the 
Mid-Atlantic Region 


Nearly 30 million people live in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This population shows significant diversity across race, ethnicity and socioeconomic factors. Demographic data can assist policy makers across the region in addressing social factors that impact health. HPRC's new Mid-Atlantic infographics provide a snapshot of health status in five Mid-Atlantic States (DE, MD, PA, WV and VA) and the District of Columbia. 

Quick Facts:
  • In Maryland (25%) and Virginia (16%), Hispanic women report fair or poor health at significantly different levels equating to a 9% difference. 
  • Over 50% of Black, Hispanic and White adults are considered overweight or obese in DE, MD, PA, WV and VA. 
  • Over 50% of adults in Delaware have a bachelor's degree or higher, while less than 20% of adults in West Virginia have a college education. 
From the Appalachian Trail that runs through Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia to Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, there is great diversity in who people are and how they live across the Mid-Atlantic region. To learn more, view the Select Health Indicators Across the Mid-Atlantic and the Demographics of the Mid-Atlantic infographics and a list of  sources , produced by HPRC Policy Analysts Kendra Tappin and Jessica Hopkins.


Regional Spotlight: CommonHealth ACTION
                                 
CommonHealth Action, located in Washington, DC, provides a number of services to improve the health and social conditions of populations facing the most need. Fueled by a dedication to social justice, CommnHealth ACTION  advises and implements community-engaged health equity programs nation-wide.   The  Mississippi Faith in Action , the Institute for Public Health Innovation , the  Port Towns Community Health Initiative and  The Place Matters Initiative are some of the programs that have benefited from the training, technical assistance and community-focused approach to health equity programming provided by the Common Health ACTION team. Using an action methodology, CommonHealth ACTION applies a health equity lens to all of its work, recognizing that the lingering effects of institutional and structural racism must be addressed to achieve health equity in the 21st century. CommonHealth ACTION also works closely with an array of partners including the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Community Health Initiatives and the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI). Click  here  to learn more about their public health programming initiatives and services.
Town Highlight:

The District of Columbia, better known as Washington, D.C. is a located between Maryland and Northern Virginia. According to  the  U.S. Census Bureau , the approximate population of Washington, D.C. is 658,893, putting it on the top 25 list of most populated cities in the U.S. Founded in 1790 by the United States Constitution, Washington, D.C. has a rich history  that  in many ways is reflective of American history . Constitutionally, Congress maintains some legislative power over the District of Columbia, as it is not recognized as a state. For the District, the only voice in congress is a non-voting delegate. However,  Washington, D.C.'s economy is larger than the economies of 14 states, and D.C. is a hub for commerce and governance in the metropolitan area. A predominately African American city, Washington D.C.  has a larger economy, pays more federal taxes, and has lost more servicemen and women in our nation's wars than many states that do have representation. Despite this, taxation without representation is a unique policy issue that impacts Washington D.C. residents. To learn more about the history of nation's capital click here. Learn more about taxation without representation in D.C. by clicking here.
   
The Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers (MACHC) is a network of primary care facilities in Maryland and Delaware. Quality improvement, community development and emergency preparedness are among the training and education services and supports that MACHC provides to community health centers (CHCs). CHCs include community-operated health facilities, migrant and homeless health support centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Created to provide healthcare services to the medically under-served, MACHC, utilizes the Patient-Centered Medical Home model which promotes patient-centered care. 
In addition to its education and training services, MACHC advocates for State and Federal policies that promote health equity. Some of MACHC members include Greater Baden Medical Services in Brandywine, MD; Westside Family Healthcare in Delaware and Chase Brexton Health Services, Inc. in Baltimore, MD. Click here  for a full list of MACHC members. To learn more about MACHC's work click here .

Obesity is a common issue among Latino youth in the United States. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), over 41% of Latino students, ages 6-19, are overweight or obese. Language barriers may exacerbate food insecurity issues and contribute to obesity. NIMHD is promoting the Fuel Up to Play 60 en  Español  initiative to encourage healthy behaviors among Latino students through education, healthier school environments and increased physical activity. The content is provided in Spanish to ensure the information is accessible regardless of English proficiency. Learn what you can do to support Fuel Up to Play 60 by visiting the official website. 
In the News: The Mid-Atlantic's First REAL School Garden

Eastern Senior High School in Washington, D.C.
(Photo taken by Lydia Thompson, at National Public Radio)
Prince George's County Council Member Dannielle Glaros, District 3, will join  REAL School Gardens, and over 100 community volunteers as they support a new learning garden at Beacon Heights Elementary School this Saturday, November 7th. The REAL School Garden project has proven to be an effective student engagement effort that fosters healthier learning environments and may contribute to an increase in test scores. Glaros remarked that she is " excited that the first REAL School Garden in the Mid-Atlantic Region will be located in District 3 at Beacon Heights Elementary School". The project entails $15,000 in funding for the garden over three years and a learning garden that is over 5,000 square feet. Further details for the event are below. 

What:  "Big Dig" Real School Garden at Beacon Heights Elementary School
When:  Saturday, November 7th 2015; beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Beacon Heights Elementary School,  6929 Furman Parkway in Riverdale, Maryland
Upcoming Events
Events in Region III 
HPRC Events
HPRC will host two community forums this month in Baltimore City and Kent County, MD. During the events community residents will discuss the health challenges in their local communities and potential solutions.  Click the links below to register.

WHEN: Saturday, November 14th; 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Door: 219 N. Chester St. Baltimore, MD 21231

WHEN: Tuesday, November 17th; 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Kent County Community Center  11041 Worton Rd, Worton, MD 21678
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Other Events
Chairman Mel Franklin's Office of the Prince George's County Council, District 9 will host a series of three community events. The  Let's Talk: A Conversation with the Chairman About Our Future event series will take place at various locations in Prince George's County. Each event will begin at 7:00 p.m., doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Dates and Locations:
  1. Monday, November 9th; 11 Crescent Road Greenbelt, MD 20770
  2. Tuesday, November 10th; 5811 Old Silver Hill Road District Heights, MD 20747
  3. Tuesday, November 17th; 9400 Piscataway Road Clinton, MD 20735 
Webinars  

WHEN: Thursday, November 19th 2015; 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m., EST
DESCRIPTION: This interactive webinar will provide information about the scope of the achievement gap and its long-term public health and social equity consequences for individuals and communities. In addition, members from the Connecticut Legislative Achievement Gap Task Force and its partners will share successes and challenges, present initial findings and successful legislative, policy and programmatic changes, and point to the work ahead. Click HERE to register.

Please feel free to contact the HPRC Team at 301.375.2021 with any questions.

 
 
Thank you,


The Health Policy Research Consortium
 

HPRC, a CTIS Inc. program, is supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health under award number #1U54MD008608-01. This content does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Health Policy Research Consortium
6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Ste. 310
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: (301) 375-2021