The Mid-Atlantic region
The Mid-Atlantic region, comprised of DC, MD, VA, DE, PA, WV is racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse. This diversity brings differences in health outcomes and health care needs. High need populations include children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, adults age 65 and older, and children age 5 and younger. These groups account for some of the largest spending on health care and services. For example, Philadelphia spends more than $45 million, and Maryland spends nearly $35 million on maternal and child health services.
The Health Policy Research Consortium takes a unique two pronged approach to research and policy for improved health outcomes. Our research and our solutions are guided by our strong partnerships with communities and community based organizations, and with academic, public, and private institutions to help establish evidence based research about the health outcomes and social determinants that may be influencing health. We utilize a health in all policies approach to review and provide comprehensive analysis of public and social policy that may influence health equity, health outcomes, and improve long-term health. Using this two pronged approach will drive policy to address the diverse health needs across the Mid-Atlantic Region and guide research toward new directions for improved health outcomes.
Why Prince George’s County?
Prince George’s County, Maryland (PG County) is the nation’s most affluent county with an African American majority population and Maryland’s most racially diverse county, where all minority groups account for more than 80% of the population. Unfortunately, the quality of life from a health perspective lags significantly behind similar socioeconomic jurisdictions throughout the region. County residents experience a higher rate of chronic disease, specifically heart disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, than residents in neighboring counties and, in some instances, higher than the state average with even greater disparities when racial and ethnic differences are added to the comparisons. Based on these facts, and considering its close proximity to NIH, It was decided that PG County would serve as the epicenter for our research.