Report highlights racial health disparities in Howard County

Despite its status as one of Maryland’s wealthiest counties, Howard County has significant health disparities that exist along racial lines, according to a report from the Horizon Foundation.

The report found significant differences in infant mortality rates, heart disease, diabetes and mental health issues, among other health conditions.

“While Howard County ranks among the healthiest communities in the state and nation, we still fall short of our potential — and by maximizing our strengths, leadership and commitment, we can rise to the top,” the report said. “Unfortunately, even in our county, your zip code, skin color, income and other demographic factors can determine your health in very unfair ways.”

The 2020 Vision for Health in Howard County was published by the Horizon Foundation, an independent health philanthropy focused on health and wellness in the county.

Maternal health care had one of the most demonstrable gaps in health outcomes along racial lines. The mortality rate among black infants was double the rate for white infants.

The disparities were present in infant birth weight, too. The report said that 13% of black mothers, 9% of Asian mothers and 9% of Latino mothers had an infant with a low birth weight in 2017, while 5% of white mothers had an infant with a low birth weight.

Black and Latino mothers were twice as likely as white mothers to receive late or no prenatal care, the report said.

These disparities tend to happen along racial lines even when other factors, such as the mothers’ age, education level and income, are similar, the report said.

Racial differences were present in chronic diseases as well, the report found. Black adults were four times more likely than white adults to end up in the emergency department for diabetes and three times more likely to end up there for high blood pressure.

The report should lead to changes, Audra Nixon, a member of the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County, said in a statement.

“For too long, members of our community have not had a fair and just chance to achieve good health and thrive,” she said. “But with collective action and changes, we can make this possible for everyone – and build a better future for coming generations.”

The report suggests solutions for each issue. Potential solutions include expanding comprehensive prenatal care and educating health care providers about racial bias in order to address the maternal disparities, enacting laws to make healthier food and drinks easier to access in order to address the disparities in chronic illnesses.

“By striving to close gaps and create a culture of good health, Howard County can be a model community for health equity and wellness in the state and in the nation,” Maura Rossman, Howard County’s health officer, said in a statement.