Redlining, a discriminatory housing practice that was prevalent in the United States during the 20th century, continues to have lasting effects on the health of U.S. veterans. According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, redlining is linked to worse cardiovascular health outcomes among veterans.
Redlining was a practice implemented by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a program created by Congress in the 1930s as part of the New Deal. The aim of HOLC was to make homeownership more accessible during the Great Depression. However, the program ended up making it harder for many Americans, particularly racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, to obtain mortgages. HOLC classified neighborhoods with large minority populations as high-risk and marked them on maps with the color red, hence the term “redlining.”
Although HOLC discontinued its mapping in the 1940s, racist housing policies persisted for decades. It was not until the 1968 Fair Housing Act that redlining was officially prohibited. However, the negative consequences of redlining, such as increased disease risk and reduced access to healthcare, have persisted.
The recent study analyzed data from HOLC, census data, and medical records from Veterans Affairs patients. The researchers focused on the cardiovascular health of 79,997 veterans with atherosclerotic diseases, including coronary artery disease. They also considered factors such as median household income, education levels, and neighborhood prosperity.
The analysis revealed that patients living in neighborhoods that were once given HOLC’s highest grade were more likely to be White and had lower rates of cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. On the other hand, risk factors were more common in neighborhoods that were once redlined. For example, 31.1 percent of veterans living in the riskiest neighborhoods smoked, compared to 27.2 percent in the lowest-risk neighborhoods.
Furthermore, patients residing in formerly redlined neighborhoods were more likely to be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They also faced a nearly 13 percent higher mortality risk and a 14 percent higher risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, such as a stroke or heart attack, compared to veterans in other neighborhoods.
The researchers attribute these disparities to a combination of factors. Formerly redlined neighborhoods tend to have worse air quality and higher noise levels, both of which have been linked to adverse health outcomes. Additionally, individuals whose ancestors faced racism and discrimination may have inherited genetic factors that affect cardiovascular health.
The study emphasizes the significant impact of one’s surrounding environment on their health, even decades after redlining was introduced. The researchers call for public health experts to consider neighborhood factors when assessing cardiovascular risk. They also suggest that further research should be conducted to inform policies related to food access, tobacco sales, and other factors that contribute to health disparities.
This study sheds light on the long-lasting effects of redlining and highlights the need for continued efforts to address systemic racism and its impact on health outcomes. By understanding and addressing the historical factors that contribute to health disparities, policymakers and healthcare professionals can work towards creating more equitable and healthier communities for all.
What policies and strategies can be implemented to mitigate the impacts of redlining and promote health equity in historically redlined neighborhoods
Nic kidney disease, and diabetes. On the other hand, patients living in neighborhoods that were previously redlined had a higher prevalence of these risk factors, leading to worse cardiovascular health outcomes.
The study also found that the negative effects of redlining extended beyond traditional risk factors. Neighborhoods that were redlined had fewer healthcare resources and were more likely to be located in areas with environmental hazards such as pollution and limited access to healthy food options. These factors contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases among veterans.
The lasting effects of redlining on veterans’ health highlight the systemic racism and inequality ingrained in the United States. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving health equity among all populations, including veterans.
To mitigate the impacts of redlining, the study authors suggest implementing policies that promote equitable access to healthcare and resources in historically redlined neighborhoods. This includes increasing healthcare infrastructure, improving access to healthy food options, and addressing environmental hazards.
In addition to policy changes, raising awareness about the history and consequences of redlining is essential. By educating communities and healthcare providers about redlining’s impact on health outcomes, steps can be taken to address and improve the situation.
Ultimately, this study sheds light on the long-term consequences of redlining on the health of U.S. veterans. It underscores the need for continued efforts to dismantle systemic racism, promote health equity, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to quality healthcare and resources.
This article sheds light on the deep-rooted impact of redlining on the cardiovascular health of U.S. veterans. It reinforces the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic changes to address this persistent issue and ensure equitable healthcare for all.