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Health equity is fundamental to a strong society

Why our program?
What drives our mission

Health equity is fundamental to a strong society

Obesity can lead to severe adverse health outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Though reducing the effects of obesity is extremely important, the pathways to its achievement are complicated. Obesity is caused by a number of factors, ranging from genetics to policies that affect where whole foods are available. Yet, there are individual and community- level actions that can help combat obesity, even in lower resource settings. At EndsideOut, we believe that by supporting individuals, families and communities in reducing the risk of obesity, we can empower underserved communities to achieve healthier lives.

Obesity can lead to severe adverse health outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Though reducing the effects of obesity is extremely important, the pathways to its achievement are complicated. Obesity is caused by a number of factors, ranging from genetics to policies that affect where whole foods are available. Yet, there are individual and community- level actions that can help combat obesity, even in lower resource settings. At EndsideOut, we believe that by supporting individuals, families and communities in reducing the risk of obesity, we can empower underserved communities to achieve healthier lives.

The maps displayed show the interconnectedness of poverty, access to grocery stores, and obesity. They highlight how obesity emerges from a series of structural barriers faced by those most vulnerable in our society. EO works with these communities to develop behavior change interventions that are realistic given the immense challenges faced every day. Health should not be a luxury achievable only by those with resources; our goal is to close the health gap between Baltimoreans, and afford everyone an equitable opportunity for health.

The maps displayed show the interconnectedness of poverty, access to grocery stores, and obesity. They highlight how obesity emerges from a series of structural barriers faced by those most vulnerable in our society. EO works with these communities to develop behavior change interventions that are realistic given the immense challenges faced every day. Health should not be a luxury achievable only by those with resources; our goal is to close the health gap between Baltimoreans, and afford everyone an equitable opportunity for health.

2015 Crude Obesity Rate by Census Tract-Baltimore, MD

This map highlights the disparities in obesity rates throughout Baltimore.

Baltimore City Food Environment

This map shows the relationship between food deserts and obesity. Areas with lower access to fresh foods tend to have higher obesity rates. This highlights the systemic causes disparities seen in obesity.

Percentage Living Under the Poverty Line

This map shows the disparities in poverty throughout Baltimore. Obesity tends to affect communities with greater rates of poverty, further highlighting systemic health disparities.