News Release: Evidence in BC Affirms Findings from WHO Report on Social Inequities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2008

The World Health Organization Commission on the Social Determinants of Health released its Final Report today, urging Governments to address social inequities to improve population health. The WHO report describes a ‘health gradient’ or ‘slope’ in which the wealthiest are the healthiest and with each step down the income ladder, the opportunity to be healthy decreases.
 
The BC Healthy Living Alliance (BCHLA) says the BC evidence mirrors the WHO findings and should compel policymakers to target action on chronic disease and rising healthcare costs by addressing social issues such as affordable housing, early childhood development and income security.
 
“In BC, people with the lowest incomes are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease or diabetes compared to those with the highest incomes. Although the issues are complex, what is clear is that inadequate income is a major barrier to good health” said Bobbe Wood, President and CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon and Chair-elect, BCHLA.
 
The research demonstrates that social factors such as poverty, substandard or crowded housing, discrimination and low education contribute to poor health and premature death. Among British Columbians, health outcomes are worst for Aboriginal people, new immigrants and others with lower incomes.
 
Bobbe Wood believes there are workable solutions. She explains, “Anything we can do to improve people’s odds of success in life – whether it’s creating quality daycare spaces, affordable housing or keeping teens in school – will improve health and life expectancy.”
 
BCHLA will be hosting “Healthy Futures for BC Families: a Policy Discussion” to explore solutions with opinion leaders from health, business, Aboriginal and non-profit, social service communities at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue on October 2nd.   The Alliance will release a draft discussion paper at the event on policy options for addressing social issues that affect health. The BCHLA position paper will be finalized with the incorporation of contributions from participating experts and opinion leaders.
 
The BC Healthy Living Alliance is the largest health promotion team ever assembled in the history of BC. It was formed in 2003, its vision is for a healthy British Columbia and its focus is on the common risk factors and underlying determinants of chronic disease.