Medically undeserved population
Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, is defined as a majority/minority urban area. Newark residents are disproportionately impacted by various SDOH, including lack of health insurance, poverty, extreme homelessness, limited English language proficiency, and low education attainment. There exists a great need for professionals trained to provide culturally competent health care to Newark’s immigrant populations and other individuals with low literacy and limited English proficiency. Poverty is also a key determinant of health and the top risk factor for poor health and death for the city’s residents. Newark residents have an average life expectancy at birth of 76.6 years, which is lower than the average life expectancy for the state (80.7 years) and nationally (79 years)9. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that in 2017, Newark had higher mortality rates for female breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and colorectal cancer, compared to the national average Additionally, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Newark has a higher prevalence of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity compared to the national rate. There is a significant need for integrated primary and behavioral health care, including substance and opioid use disorder prevention, screening, and treatment services among Newark’s medically underserved populations (MUPs).
Write an essay explaining why you desire to work with the medically underserved populations of Newark NJ. This should be double spaced and no more than two pages.
