Health Experts Examine Racial Disparities In Berrien

medical54-44
medical54-44

Spectrum Health Lakeland Director of Population Health Lynn Todman is working to help the community understand some of the factors that go into a person’s health outcomes, and a big focus is on race. Todman tells WSJM News her studies at Lakeland have shown major racial disparities when it comes to health in the region. She says part of her job is making sure doctors understand that things like the neighborhood where someone lives determines how healthy they are.

“For instance, the data that we analysed for the 2019 community health needs assessment shows that there is a 19 year life expectancy gap between Benton Harbor and Lincoln Township,” Todman said. “A couple of neighborhoods that are separated by – I don’t know maybe – seven miles, ten miles, a life expectancy difference of 19 years.”

Todman says racism itself affects one’s health, creating physiological stressors when a person is constantly exposed. Todman runs Community Grand Rounds, a program that brings in speakers to Berrien County to talk about related issues. She says its next presentation will be Thursday, October 3 in Benton Township. CGR is welcoming Debbie Irving, the author of “Waking Up White.” She’ll explore systemic racism and privilege in the United States. The presentation will be at the Hilton Garden Inn on Cinema Way starting at 1 p.m. You can register to attend at SpectrumHealthLakeland.org/CGR.