The Health Department divided the city into 42 areas according to zip codes, put together a “health report card” for each neighborhood and published this analysis as a report. The report lists the leading causes of deaths, mortality rate, frequency of diseases, availability of health insurance and services. The report is available over the internet.
It is useful to have statistical comparisons of different neighborhoods, but it would be even more useful to have a report on health conditions among different minority groups, said health officials.
The report did not specifically list Chinese communities. To review the state of health of Chinese communities, we had to look at the report on the Lower East Side, North Queens (included Flushing, College Point, Whitestone, Auburndale, Bay Terrace, and Clearview), and Sunset Park. Among these areas North Queens had the best health report card.
In North Queens, the overall health, the health of mothers and infants, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and the spread of contagious diseases received a better-than-average “grade.” However, with regard to preventive activities (such as cancer check ups and vaccinations) and health related services, the area received lower-than-average ratings. The lower East Side’s various health conditions received average ratings. Sunset Park also received average ratings, except that it was rated lower-than-average for preventive activities
Incidence of AIDS, cancer, flu and STDs on the Lower East Side were higher than average. Deaths resulting from AIDS was actually 70% higher in this area! Heart diseases were cited as the main causes of residents’ hospitalizations.
Heart diseases and cancers were leading causes of deaths and hospitalizations in Sunset Park. The area’s rates for accidents and injuries were 65% higher than the city’s average.
Ting-ting Wang, a staff member of Charles Wang Community Health Center, said that actual health conditions were worse than reported because undocumented immigrants are reluctant to give health information.
