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The Southwest Bronx

The work of Bronx Health REACH is rooted in the Southwest Bronx where the coalition began. Just a few decades ago, the Southwest Bronx was among the most challenged and neglected neighborhoods in New York City. Through community-driven efforts, the Bronx emerged as an example of urban renewal and life improved in many ways for the area’s 280,000 residents.
However, there is still a lot of work to do. People in the Bronx still live sicker and die younger than they should and residents continue to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.

Demographic and health statistics of the Southwest Bronx:

  • There are 280,000 residents in the REACH target area.
  • 95% are black and Latino, including African-Americans, Caribbean-Americans, and new immigrants from Africa, Central and South America.
  • The Bronx is the poorest urban county in the country – 50% of Bronx households include young children living below the poverty level.
  • The South Bronx has one of the highest rates of residents diagnosed with diabetes (16%), compared to the Bronx (12%), New York City (9%), and state and national rates which are under 8%.

Growing Coalition: Borough-wide and National Efforts

In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named Bronx Health REACH a Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities (CEED).  In 2012, Bronx Health REACH was selected by the Partnership for a Healthier NYC to be the Borough Lead Organization for the Community Transformation Grant in New York City.  Through the provision of Legacy Project Grants and the Partnership for a Healthier New York City, we are now working with communities across the entire borough of the Bronx, New York City, New York State and beyond to eliminate health disparities and reduce chronic disease. In addition, Bronx Health REACH participates in a number of national efforts to eliminate health disparity.