Florida TaxWatch Explores Social Determinants of Health in Third of Five-Part Series, Focuses on Neighborhood and Built Environment

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida TaxWatch released Social Determinants of Health: Neighborhood and Built Environment, the third commentary in a five-part series that will explore what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services refers to as social determinants of health, or environmental conditions, such as age and economic background, that impact the health of individuals. This commentary will focus on how neighborhoods and built environments impact the health of individuals.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “A person’s upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping their physical and mental health, influencing it both in a negative and in a positive sense, and access to a quality home and essential resources significantly impacts one’s overall wellbeing. These issues should be addressed through strategic investments in community resources, which would lead to significant health improvements on a broader scale.”

People with lower quality housing are at a greater risk of health issues. Individuals that live in homes with moderate deficiencies are more likely to develop chronic illnesses. Additionally, low quality housing often accommodates more people than it should, which forces small spaces to be shared. This impacts both physical and mental health. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are particularly at risk in these environments.

People living in safer neighborhoods are more likely to experience better physical and mental health throughout their lives. The physical environment extends beyond housing conditions to include neighborhood safety. The absence of safe recreational spaces, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks, further limits opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. This limitation ultimately contributes to the continuation of poor health outcomes.

Proximity to essential resources like healthcare, food, and transportation is vital for maintaining health and well-being. Lack of adequate access to healthcare, including hospitals, pharmacies, and providers, encourages delayed treatment, which results in worse health outcomes. Additionally, the health impacts of long and challenging transportation routes include a sedentary lifestyle and a deterioration in mental health.

Individuals with access to healthy foods are more likely to maintain a balanced diet, reducing the risk of diet-related diseases. Food deserts are often found in low-income and rural communities and have a direct correlation with higher rates of chronic health issues such as obesity and diabetes. This lack of access has long-term negative effects on health, emphasizing the need for improving food accessibility in disadvantaged communities.

The quality of environment directly impacts the health and the community. Poor ventilation and contaminated water can both lead to serious health conditions including respiratory conditions, developmental delays, and neurological disorders. Finally, the effects of climate change, such as temperature fluctuations and an increase in weather-related disasters, pose an additional risk for vulnerable populations, regardless of the underlying cause. Further, frequent extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, can worsen health risks by damaging homes and displacing communities.

To learn more and access previous Social Determinants of Health, including the first commentary Health Care Access and Quality, June 2024, and second commentary Education Access and Quality, August 2024, please click here.

About Florida TaxWatch
As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.