Latino Health Initiative Neighborhood Analysis
Latino children endure disproportionate probabilities of suffering from systemic inequities, particularly regarding health and healthcare services. Language barriers, immigration status, lack of transportation and comprehensive health insurance coverage, along with cultural biases all limit the resources available to this community.
Children at Risk has completed research with the hopes of educating and informing individuals about three specific indicators directly affecting the overall health of Latino Children in Harris County, Texas. We examined food insecurity, mental health, and kindergarten readiness. Our work involved both quantitative and qualitative data in the construction of a map and testimonies from community members directly serving this population. Neighborhoods such as East Downtown, Near Northside, Northwest and Northeast Houston, and other communities are associated with an overlap of two or more health factors affecting their residents. Children at Risk identified a need for more resources and supports for families in these regions. The highest priorities are increasing access to benefits and resources through parent and family engagement, promotoras (specially trained Latino community advocates), and additional avenues for mental healthcare services.
Children who experience food insecurity are likely to develop various chronic diseases and health conditions including diabetes and obesity, and yet a fifth of Harris County children have experienced food insecurity. Hispanic children in Texas have nearly twice the rate of obesity compared to non-Hispanic white children, according to the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living. Per Harris County Public Health, 75.7% of Hispanic Harris County residents are overweight or obese. In fact, Texas has the 10th highest obesity rate for children ages 10- 17.
John Day, Chief Operations and Program Officer at the Houston Food Bank, says that “Houston is the fourth largest city yet ranks number one in food insecurity. And has the largest food bank….Part of the ongoing problem is that some individuals are not legally documented and therefore fear that asking for help will result in their status being questioned, or even revoked” .
Also related to food insecurity, 50% of Latino children will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetimes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), food insecurity, whether caused by an excess of empty calories or an insufficient supply of nutritious ones, is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The cheapest and most easily accessible foods (fatty, fried takeout, high-sodium prepared meals, sweets, and soft beverages) typically supply a lot of calories, but they also contribute to or make it difficult to manage chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes. Chronic diseases can also further exacerbate food insecurity. “For some people, diabetes may be the cause of their food insecurity, not just the result” (ADA).
Mental health resources are further limited by language access and cultural competence. Per the national 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 46.4% of Latino high school students reported that they felt “sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that (they) stopped doing some usual activities” compared to 42.3% of the total student population. National trends also show that 18.7% of Latino high school and 15.1% of middle school students planned to attempt suicide. Dr. Freeny of Mental Health America of Greater Houston shared that “language translation and accessibility amount to be the largest barriers in youth receiving mental health support.” Indeed, 80% of mental healthcare providers offer services only in English.
There were also significant gaps in the percentage of children identified as kindergarten ready. Kindergarten readiness is a crucial milestone in a child’s educational journey. It marks a transition from early childhood to the formal education system and encompasses a wide range of developmental skills and competencies for success in kindergarten and throughout elementary school. These include cognitive abilities, social skills, language proficiency, physical readiness, and emotional regulation. Research has found that high-quality pre-K can significantly impact the path of a child’s life. For every dollar spent on early childhood education, economists estimate a $7 to $13 return. Investing in early childhood education reduces future costs associated with remedial education, grade repetition, and special education services. It also lowers costs related to social services, health care, and criminal justice.
Children and families deserve quality childcare and pre-k programs, access to food, and mental health supports. The map above highlights some areas where families are experiencing some of these gaps that put children and families at risk for chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and economic precarity. We must ensure that our Latino families, the rising majority in our community, have access to the tools they need to keep their children safe and secure. We can take care of our communities by increasing family engagement, strengthening collaborative partnerships, and investing in systemic improvements.