WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH NEEDS
Learn about the health of your community and the goals to improve health.
WAYNE COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS
Wayne County is a diverse region of Michigan with 1,793,561 residents. Nearly half of the population are minorities, this is a key piece of information when looking at the health issues that this community faces.
- 37% are Black or African American
- 52% are White
- 3% are Asian
- 6% are Hispanic or Latino
- 2% are 2 or more races
ABOUT WAYNE COUNTY
Wayne County is rich with cultural diversity but the community faces the repercussions of structural inequities and injustices. Food insecurity, poor built environment, access to healthcare, proper education, issues with chronic stress, mental health and chronic illnesses affect communities of color disproportionately in America.
$47,301
Median Household Income
20%
of Wayne County residents live below the poverty line
12%
of residents are uninsured
30%
of residents are obese
65%
Infant mortality rate
2.6
times the maternal mortality rate of Michigan
HEALTH PRIORITIES
INFANT AND CHILD HEALTHCARE
Improving quality of care and accessibility of care for infant and children is a need the community has to reduce infant mortality and reduce health conditions in children.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Connecting parents to resources and education, as well as fostering healthy familial relationships and social support systems can reduce rates of child abuse and neglect in the community.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health has a stigma surrounding it, creating a conversation so that teens and adults feel comfortable seeking help and increasing access to mental health services are key to improving the mental health of the community.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY
Housing affordability is a significant issue in Wayne County considering there is job and income instability as well. Neighborhood safety can be achieved through crime reduction and strengthening relationships for safe and supportive neighborhoods.
ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS
Many neighborhoods do not have access to full-scale grocery stores, and nutritious foods are more expensive. Increasing the number of grocery stores, investing in community gardens, and farmers markets that accept food stamps will improve access to healthy foods.
WAYNE COUNTY GOALS
These have been identified as goals to improve priority health needs in Wayne County.
IMPROVE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE
through strengthening educational and economic policies.
IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENTS
through promoting and protecting neighborhoods that support healthy living by collaborating with community partners and social networks
ENSURE BASIC HOUSING NEEDS
support and sustain resident health by increasing access to safe and affordable homes
PROMOTE HEALTHY HABITS AND WELLBEING
through strengthening community access to resources
IMPROVE HEALTH ACCESS
by coordinating community and health resources
MEET ELLIE
My name is Ellie Cameron, I am a graduate student in SVSU's Master of Public Health program with a focus in Health Education and Promotion. I gained professional experience through an internship with a domestic violence and sexual assault center under the Programs Director.
I have a passion for advocacy and intend to use my education to fight against determinants that prevent communities from being healthy. I believe that all communities deserve the tools and support they need to lead a healthy life.