A health care agenda that includes improving economic outcomes, reducing pollution and keeping neighborhoods safe would be supported by a majority of Texans, according to a new survey by the Episcopal Health Foundation released July 2.
“COVID-19 is clearly showing what Texans already know: the state needs to address underlying, non-medical conditions that have a dramatic impact on their health,” EHF President and CEO Elena Marks said in a news release. “Low-income and minority communities are more likely to catch the virus in the first place and more likely to get sicker and die if they do catch it. All of that goes back to social, community, and economic conditions—not medical care.”
The survey found 62% of Texans agreed improving the economy should be a priority for the state Legislature when it comes to improving health. Reducing air, water or chemical pollution had similar agreement with 60%, as did reducing crime and improving neighborhood safety at 59%, and improving public education at 59%.
Lower-income survey respondents were more likely to cite the economy, crime, racial discrimination, and access to child care and pre-K as top priorities.
