Presenter
Mukens Renfort
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Chronic disease continues to be a major contributor to illness and death in New York, with heart disease and cancer remaining the top causes of death statewide. New York’s diverse population faces ongoing disparities linked to poverty, racial inequities and rising substance, all of which contribute to the unequal health outcomes observed in New York. Surveillance data show an increase in chronic disease cases, higher rates of preventable conditions such as hypertension and cancer and continued concerns around opioid related incidences. Data from state surveillance systems and public health databases, including the New York Department of Health Leading Cause of Death Dashboard, the Cancer Registry, the Community Health Indicator Reports (CHRIS) and the opioid surveillance system were used to gather information to help develop this needs assessment for New York. Additionally demographic and socioeconomic information from the World Population Review, Fiscal Policy Institute and other public health reports. Findings highlight three main areas of need in New York: chronic disease prevention, mental health and substance use services and improving access to care. Heart disease, cancer and opioid use continue to disproportionately affect low income and minority communities. Based on these findings, interventions could focus on expand community based cardiovascular (CVD) prevention programs and strengthening and expanding the New York Cancer Services Program (CSP).
Faculty Mentor
Sara Namazi, Ph.D.
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Renfort, Mukens, "Health Assessment of New York" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 325.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/325
