Washtenaw-Wayne county line marks greatest disparity in health outcomes in Michigan
Though residents in Washtenaw and Wayne counties have access to world-class medical facilities, the disparity in health outcomes across the county line is the greatest in Michigan, according to media reports.
Washtenaw County is ranked fifth in Michigan for its health outcomes like physical and mental health, birth rate and premature death.
Cyclists ride Huron River Drive in Washtenaw County in 2010. The disparity in health outcomes for residents across the Washtenaw-Wayne county border is the greatest in Michigan.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file photo
On average, Wayne County residents have a higher rate of obesity, are more likely to suffer from diabetes, have mental health issues and have a child die as an infant. The average Wayne County resident dies at a younger age than people living in any other Michigan county.
Policy analysts say the proportion of residents in each county with health insurance is a factor in the health gap between Washtenaw and Wayne counties, Bridge Magazine reported.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Jay Thomas
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
"The average Wayne County resident dies at a younger age than people living in any other Michigan county." Er... Detroit's homicide rate and other problems will do that.
Superior Twp voter
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:36 p.m.
And, it's all our fault. So let's throw money at this so's we can feel better.
Linda Peck
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:49 a.m.
This picture says quite a bit about the health hazards of riding two abreast in Washtenaw County, especially on a curve.
A2M3
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 3:17 a.m.
line up people!
NoSUVforMe
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 2:14 a.m.
Poverty and education, air and water. DTE spews more poison on Wayne than Wshtenaw. DTE gets away with it because its victims are poor. DTE profits up, health of children down.
Lake Trout
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
I suspect it is your first conditions - poverty/education - that make the biggest difference as they are very closely linked to personal health in numerous ways.
Tom Todd
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 10:33 a.m.
it's the American way
David Paris
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:06 a.m.
Amy B., Can you repost this story after the Affordable Health Care Act is 100% implemented, just for comparison?
Sparty
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 3:35 a.m.
It's fully implemented in 2014 in terms of participation.
Paul
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:47 a.m.
Isn't that not till 2020 or later ? The insurance art kicks in next year but it still will not be 100% implemented for many years to come
demistify
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:51 a.m.
It's a pretty picture, but what does it have to do with the story? Is there any evidence that bike-riding is correlated with having health insurance?
kathryn
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
I believe there is evidence that exercise is correlated with better health outcomes. Is there anything about the two counties that might make it easier to exercise in one or the other? Like safe streets, biking lanes, parks, and some green space?
Befuddled
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:46 a.m.
I'm sure the disparity between Oakland - Wayne is much closer?
Dog Guy
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 12:20 a.m.
Michigan should fight another war with Ohio. Loser takes Detroit.
Paul
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:44 a.m.
We need to try to take over Canada again, the war of 1812 didn't workout so good.
Tom Todd
Tue, Apr 23, 2013 : 11:51 p.m.
What is that city east of metro airport that at last count had 731,000 people?
Paul
Wed, Apr 24, 2013 : 1:43 a.m.
And how many children there have one or more parent locked up in a jail ?