Risk Factor
Percentage
Tobacco Use
41.2%
Obesity
44.2%
Hypertension
17.6%*
*The percentage rate for hypertension is very low compared to the national average. This is due in part
to the fact that psychiatrists typically do not make the diagnosis of hypertension. The majority of these
cases in mental health have existing diagnoses of hypertension or they are on medication supporting the
management of their hypertension. If a mental health client has an elevated blood pressure rate at the
time of service, appropriate referrals are made to a primary care provider.
By June 30, 2014, establish baselines for diabetes rates in the African American and Hispanic
populations served by LCHD/CHC.
Progress: 2014 Goal Met
Compared to the general population, African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately affected
by diabetes. A major cause of blindness, renal failure, amputation and cardiovascular disease, diabetes
also increases the risk of cancer and dementia and more than doubles individual health care costs.
However, diabetes is a manageable disease. Through learning how to control it, patients can live longer
and can improve their quality of life.
Patient Population
African Americans
Hispanics
Percentage with
Diabetes
11%
14%
By June 30, 2014, establish a baseline for asthma rates in the African American population served by
LCHD/CHC.
Progress: 2014 Goal Met
African Americans have one of the highest rates of asthma compared
to other racial/ethnic groups. Access to healthcare and proper
treatment are important issues facing African Americans with asthma,
as wide disparities in care exist between them and Caucasian asthma
patients. Research has shown that African Americans have a poorer
quality of life, more asthma control problems and a greater risk of
emergency hospital visits compared with Caucasians.
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