Capitol News

Community organizations, policymakers, and residents in Genesee County and Flint now have access to the Health Equity Report Card (HERC), an online tool designed to enhance understanding of community health through 50 health-related indicators from 26 public sources.

Heatherlun Uphold, assistant professor at Michigan State University, highlighted the importance of accessible health data: "There’s a big need for comprehensive data that’s useful and easy to understand, especially in public health." The HERC aims to improve health equity by making information more available.

The report card focuses on Genesee County and Flint. It serves as a resource for grant proposals, new initiatives, and guiding funders on addressing disparities. Athena McKay of Flint Innovative Solutions described it as "an essential resource to tackle the disparities that are ever-present in our community."

Data is organized by location and race across six categories: health services and access, socioeconomic status, physical health, mental health, maternal and child health, and health outcomes. Uphold noted that social determinants affect these results: "This data shows results that are influenced by where people live, work, worship, play and age."

Kristen Senters Young from Odyssey Houses emphasized the practical utility of easily digestible data for strategic planning. Patrick McNeal of North Flint Neighborhood Action Council praised HERC's role in providing quality information amidst misinformation.

HERC identifies gaps where more data is needed. Uphold mentioned areas like mental health require further exploration. Findings highlight disparities needing intervention such as firearm-related homicides and diabetes.

Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation with support from various local partners, this project aims to inspire similar efforts elsewhere.