*URBAN HEALTH *
Combating Disparities with Local Data**
Edited by *Steven Whitman*, *Ami M. Shah *and *Maureen R. Benjamins*
The 1980s opened a discussion of the varying nature of health in different
segments of the United States. Falling under the rubric of “health
disparities,” a great deal of research has been published demonstrating the
substantial differences in health status between groups within a population.
The causes of health disparities are varied and not always clear but most
researchers agree that disparities are a reflection of social and economic
inequities and political injustice. One of the obstacles to addressing
disparities is the lack of meaningful local health data, especially for
vulnerable populations, which is often nonexistent despite being a critical
factor for informing health programs and policies at the local level.
This book describes how a landmark health survey in Chicago generated
dramatic data that are allowing investigators throughout the city to move
from data to action and from observation to intervention. It provides a new
model for combating health disparities that includes the collection of local
health information, the genuine engagement of community members and
organizations, and the implementation of interventions for sustainable
change. Eight case studies are provided to illustrate just how researchers
worked with communities to identify and address health problems including
smoking, obesity, asthma, and diabetes. In providing a detailed description
of how the community-focused collection and analysis of health data can
serve as an impetus for improved well-being, *Urban Health *is an invaluable
resource for researchers, community groups, students and professionals.
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