State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

CHAPTER 4SECURITY AND WELL-BEINGEmployment and economic opportunity are at the heart of reversing thehealth crisis of Black Oregonians. Poverty, displacement, policing andcriminal justice policies all have a significant impact on the mental andphysical health of Black Oregonians. The stress of social isolation, hostileworkplace environments and the daily realities of “living while black,” known as“racial microaggressions,” further aggravate health inequities.Improved access to healthcare is a positive step forward. Prevention and wellness demand anintegrated approach, including government, business and social services. As health reformunfolds, culturally specific approaches are needed that take into account all the contributorsto poor health outcomes: social and economic, as well as the daily challenges that racismplays in the lives of Black Oregonians.Median Household Income(2000, 2006–2010)$50,000$40,000Nearly 30 percentof all Black families inOregon live in povertyWhite household:+22% changeIndividuals Below Poverty Level(2006–2010)BlackWhiteHigh Blood Pressure(2012))BlackWhite12 %41.4 %25.3 %29 %$30,000Black household:+9% changeDiabetes(2012)2000 2006–10BlackWhite6.2 % 13.4 %70