Team Profile Summary

In Chicago/Cook County African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer. Some medical leaders attribute this to differential biology and genetics, lack of awareness about breast self-examination, inability to afford routine mammograms and limited access to quality medical facilities. Other Chicago researchers are looking at the impact of social determinants, whether the stress of social isolation and living in impoverished or crime ridden neighborhoods contribute to the high vulnerability and mortality rate of African American women. The team’s two primary focuses are on two initiatives, supported by local, current research that negatively impacts the health of the community:

• Health disparities in breast cancer
• Impact of Food Deserts as a social determinant of health disparities.

Team Profile Details

Problem Statement

There is documented disparity in the health outcomes and high mortality for African-American women in the Chicago area. Health outcomes are directly impacted by access to markets to fast food outlets. This environment termed “Food Deserts” negatively impacts communities of low incomes and race resulting in premature mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer deaths to obesity and hypertension.

Team Objectives and Actions

• Objective 1: To develop a comprehensive system of care management that addresses the fragmentation of health and social services and resources for African American women.
• Objective 2: To increase the survival rate of African American women diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Objective 3: To address the impact of Food Deserts on health disparities in South Suburban Cook County.
• Objective 4: To develop fund raising and grant development strategies to support activities for breast cancer and Food Desert activities.

For more information and to become involved, please contact:

Team Lead: Terri Johnson
Email: tjohnson@hullhouse.org
Phone: (312) 235-5391