A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examines diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke mortality among rural and urban Black and white adults ages 25 and older. The study used de-identified data spanning 1999-2018 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The authors found mortality rates for these conditions were high among Black rural adults compared to white rural adults. For example, diabetes and hypertension mortality is 2 to 3 times higher among Black rural adults than among their white rural peers. Their analysis also found greater urban improvements in racial disparities and minimal progress in rural areas. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health efforts in rural areas that seek to better address the specific structural inequities that present barriers for Black rural residents. #health #rural #racialequity
