Building a Healthier and Stronger Community

Years of research shows that systemic inequities have blocked economic opportunities for some Americans and left others in poor health – even shortening their lives. These long-standing inequities include discrimination based on factors including age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, geography, and income.

Regardless of the characteristic used to discriminate, disparities in the United States obstruct the health security and financial resilience that enable people to thrive equitably as they age, and at every decade of life. In the District, many older, Black District residents face hurdles to receiving high-quality, accessible, and timely healthcare.

That is why AARP is fighting at all levels to reduce disparities, especially among Communities of Color and other vulnerable groups, and reduce the impact of wealth and income gaps by race and other factors.

Combating Health Disparities in the District

In the spring of 2021, AARP DC and Georgetown University’s Department of Health Systems Administration released a comprehensive study on health disparities among Black older adults living in the District of Columbia. In the summer of 2023, AARP DC sought to update the study, The District of Columbia: An Empirical Review of Health Disparities in Older Black Adults. The updated review included data reflecting the state of health equity in the District.

Key findings from the 2023 review include:

• A 15-year age gap in life expectancy between those living in Ward 3 (86 years old) and Ward 8 (71 years old)
• Preventable hospital admissions for Medicare enrollees are more than 4 times higher for older Blacks than older non-Hispanic white residents
• Overall cancer mortality in Black residents is 2 times higher
• Black women are 1.5 times more likely to die from breast cancer
• The number of Black residents over age 65 who live below the federal poverty level is almost 5 times higher

Join us in building a healthier community

To better advocate for the quality and accessible healthcare District residents need, AARP DC is again seeking to hear directly from residents themselves. AARP DC developed a survey to gather information on the thoughts and experiences of Black men and women living in the District. The brief confidential survey is designed to collect information and guide advocacy and outreach.

The survey is available by clicking here. AARP DC wants you to share with us your experience on accessing healthcare, the quality of the healthcare in your community, and obstacles to accessing healthcare. The survey will not ask information such as Social Security Number, phone, email or address.

Disrupting health disparities takes a lot of information and involvement from the community. AARP DC has been working to connect community members with their elected officials and provide feedback about the quality of the health services in their community.

The 2025 health assessment survey is aimed at understanding the community's health needs and concerns. Your participation is crucial in helping gather valuable insights that will guide our advocacy and outreach efforts in the new year to drive the improvement of health services and resources for all District residents.

AARP DC is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and that this initiative reflects the diverse needs of our District. Please take a moment to share your experiences and perspectives. Together, we can build a healthier and stronger community.