Data shows Roanoke City has worse health outcomes

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – In a presentation Monday afternoon, a report to the Roanoke City Council revealed that residents have worse health outcomes compared to the state and national average.

The Virginia Department of Health led the presentation at a city council meeting. They talked about how important the work they do is to improve public health.

Health outcomes reflect the average lifespan and how many physical and mental health problems people experience in a community.

Roanoke City residents face a significantly shorter life expectancy than both the state of Virginia and the national average. The average lifespan in Roanoke City is just 71.4 years, compared to 78.1 years statewide and 77.6 years nationally.

The report outlined the leading causes of death among residents under the age of 75, identifying cancer, heart disease, accidental deaths – including drug overdoses – diabetes and COVID-19 as the leading causes of the area’s health crisis.

Dr. Cynthia Murrow, a key figure in the report, addressed the council and highlighted the deep-seated factors contributing to these alarming statistics. “What we know about poor health is that in the United States, poor health is associated with poverty, especially when it comes to income and, most importantly, education,” she explained. “Access to care can be challenging, and this combination of factors often leads to health inequalities, with some populations having worse health outcomes than others.”

The report suggests that lifestyle choices are also a major contributor to the health problems facing Roanoke City. Dr. Murrow pointed out that the community has higher rates of smoking, obesity and low physical activity. “When we talk about heart disease or cancer, we also have to look at what contributes to it,” she said. “Our advice is clear: if you smoke, this is the best time to quit. We have a lot of support available to help.”

Despite the statistics, Dr. Murrow highlights ongoing efforts within the city to improve public health, especially in areas like Melrose Plaza, where a new grocery store and wellness center could address this issue by giving an underserved area access to these services.

“A lot of good things are happening, and together – individuals, Roanoke City and the Health Department – we can move healthcare forward,” said Dr. Murrow.

Murrow thanked Roanoke City officials for recognizing the importance of public health and supporting the department in efforts to improve the health of the community.