SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) – A new report released finds one third of Californians consider their communities unhealthy places to live. Among low‐income residents, that number is nearly half.

The Advancing Wellness Poll, funded by The California Wellness Foundation, finds that problems such as rising income inequality, crime, environmental pollution and lack of economic opportunity are taking a toll on Californians’ health and wellness – and residents know it.

The findings follow national research showing California now has the greatest health disparities in the country, and they disproportionitly impact low‐income residents and people of color.

The poll, conducted by Field Research Corporation, surveyed nearly 2,200 California adults in seven languages and dialects to capture perspectives across the state’s diverse populations.

The poll finds that those impacted most by health disparities in California want community groups to take an active role in closing those gaps.

Story Date: October 31, 2016