Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Unveils Enhanced Community Health Profiles

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) launched its latest Community Health Profiles. These profiles provide key data on over 100 indicators affecting health and wellbeing for 179 communities within Los Angeles County. The profiles emphasize the significant role local environments play in influencing health outcomes, with data intended to fuel improvements in community conditions and resident health.

The new Community Health Profiles are the most geographically expansive to date, covering the majority of Los Angeles County, including incorporated cities, unincorporated areas, Service Planning Areas, Supervisorial Districts, and Los Angeles City neighborhoods and Council Districts with populations over 20,000, based on 2022 population estimates.

The Community Health Profiles data are categorized into 11 thematic areas: Demographics, Social Determinants of Health, Physical Activity & Nutrition, Tobacco Use, Housing and Health, Community Safety, Environmental Justice, Perinatal and Infant Health, Behavioral Health, HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Healthcare Access. Indicators included in these thematic areas were drawn from a variety of data sources, ensuring broad coverage for all communities and geographic areas featured in the profiles. This data represents the most recent and relevant statistics available, offering a snapshot of the health and wellness for communities across the county.

The Community Health Profiles also highlight stark disparities and inequities among LA County communities, revealing significant differences in health outcomes that depend heavily on where residents live within the county. For example, substantial variation can be seen in the rates of chronic conditions, such as the percentage of adults with obesity. However, the Community Health Profiles data also provide important insight into the social, economic, and environmental conditions that shape these disparities. For example, the data show how inadequate food and healthcare access contributes to the high rate of obesity among adults in certain areas: a notable percentage of adults in these areas live in households that are food insecure, meaning they cannot reliably afford or access sufficient quantities of healthy food, and a substantial number have difficulty accessing needed medical care.

In an effort to make this data as accessible and user-friendly as possible, the Community Health Profiles are featured in three interactive formats: the Map-Based Platform that allows for exploration of all indicators across various LA County geographies; a Map-Based Comparison Tool that allows for side-by-side evaluations of multiple geographies; and Community-Specific Reports that deliver detailed insights tailored to each community or geographic area included in the Community Health Profiles. These tools are designed to empower residents, policymakers, and health advocates with the information they need to understand and address the health needs of their communities effectively.

"The Community Health Profiles are a practical and powerful tool, designed to guide our work towards a more equitable Los Angeles County," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "By providing clear, localized data, these profiles inform efforts and system changes needed to address inequities. I extend my thanks to our community partners whose dedication and collaboration are vital in utilizing these profiles to improve community health. By working hand-in-hand, we can leverage these profiles to improve the well-being of all our residents, striving together towards a healthier Los Angeles County.”

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