The health of most Austin/Travis County residents is good with a lower overall mortality rate than most metropolitan areas in the State or nation. However, there are significant health disparities particularly in the Black population of Travis County. Blacks experience higher rates of mortality in most of the leading causes of death and in infant mortality. The leading causes of death in Travis County are heart disease, cancers, stroke and unintentional injury. The total infant mortality rate in Travis County is well below the year 2000 national objective. However, the teen pregnancy rate is higher than both the state and national rates. The teen pregnancy rate for Hispanics is significantly higher than other populations, but Hispanics seem to have healthy births equal to that of the White non-Hispanic population. Most chronic diseases appear to be declining in small increments. Of all chronic diseases, stroke is the most prevalent. Communicable diseases have declined over the past decade but remain at an incidence rate higher than both the state and national levels. AIDS and HIV infections particularly are having an increased impact on the Black population. The environment is still good but is feeling the effects of the sustained growth of the area. The environment will be an area of greater concerned in the coming years if the current rate of growth continues. The greatest determinant in the worsening environmental conditions is that of increased vehicle miles driven. Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death after the first year of life until about age 45. Most unintentional injuries are attributed to motor vehicle accidents.
It is estimate that 50 percent of all U.S. deaths are preventable. In spite of this knowledge, we continue to experience high rates of morbidity and mortality caused by chronic and communicable diseases and injury. There is scientific proof that most preventable deaths can be attributed to nine causes: tobacco, diet and activity patterns, alcohol, microbial agents, toxic agents, firearms, sexual behavior, and abuse of drugs (McGinnis & Foege, 1993). Improvement or change in individual behaviors that directly or indirectly relate to health outcomes is a more cost-effective approach to healthy individuals than providing treatment after illness occurs. Strategies that address determinants or root causes of ill health such as smoking, diet, and physical activity can prevent or delay multiple chronic diseases while improving the over all physical and mental wellbeing of individuals.
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