2026 Community Health Needs Assessment | Seite 31

Disparities and Health Equity

Disparities and Health Equity

Overview
Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. In Washoe County, health disparities are present across racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic lines, and are compounded by structural barriers including historical disinvestment, language access challenges, and uneven distribution of healthcare resources.
This CHNA applied an equity lens throughout the data collection, analysis, and prioritization process. Secondary data were disaggregated by race and ethnicity wherever available, and primary data collection was designed to intentionally reach and amplify the voices of historically underserved populations, including Hispanic / Latino residents, American Indian / Alaska Native communities, and lowincome households.
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