The Unequal Distribution of Health in the Twin Cities: A Study Commissioned by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation

Health Inequities in the Twin Cities

Commissioned by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, this study examines the economic and social factors that influence health outcomes in the Twin Cities region, and finds that neighborhood, income, education, and race all matter. Opportunities and challenges in reducing health inequities are also discussed. The original study looked at 2000 census data; it was updated in 2012 using 2010 census data or the most recent data available. The update also includes a supplement on three 'upstream' factors that contribute to health inequities: access to healthy foods, opportunities for physical activity and social connectedness.