Understanding Health in Houston

The physical and mental health and well-being of all Houstonians is essential to a thriving, equitable region.

In addition to genetics, our physical and mental health status is shaped by our environment, ability to access affordable high-quality health care, and ease/depth of access to critical resources, like parks, fresh food and supportive social networks. These social determinants, including our occupation, income and education level, are responsible for up to half of our health outcomes.

Because these social determinants are so important to our physical and mental health, they are also responsible for explaining why some of us are healthier than others — the largest health disparities are found across neighborhoods and racial lines. This is because the practices and policies related to residential segregation — a common historical practice — led to a reduction in public and private development, investments, and employment opportunities in predominantly Black and Brown communities. This disinvestment laid the groundwork for active harm — allowing polluting industries to operate without enforcing regulations — and greatly limited residents’ opportunities for better health and well-being. More Houstonians have become sedentary, food insecure, unwell, obese and diabetic in recent years, with people of color disproportionately burdened by health challenges. These outcomes ultimately lead to a decline in quality of life and contribute to the most common causes of death.

The more we understand gaps in physical and mental health care access and outcomes in the Houston region we can make investments to eliminate health disparities and improve outcomes for all residents.