One reason for that: the life expectancy gap between Black Chicagoans and non-black Chicagoans is growing.
[Ads /]
On average, black Chicagoans now live 9.2 years less than their non-black counterparts, according to a new report from the Chicago Department of Public Health called "The State of Health for Blacks in Chicago."
WATCH: Our Chicago Part 1
Our Chicago: "The State Of Health For Blacks In Chicago" Part 1
Yaa Simpson, one of the individuals that is part of the Chicago Department of Public Health Equity Index Committee, said a baseline has to be established in order to know what needs to be improved in terms of health equity.
"Unfortunately, racism isn't a factor we can actually measure, but we can see the outcomes on things like life expectancy," Simpson said.
[Ads /]
WATCH: Our Chicago Part 2
Our Chicago: "The State Of Health For Blacks In Chicago" Part 2
Blair Aikens, another individual on the committee, said the report involves all Chicagoans to make improvements.
"Even if you're not black, it doesn't mean you don't have a role. You can make a change in your community, you can advocate for changes in black communities, you can advocate against racism and say something if you see something going on," Aikens said.