The state of black health in Greenville SC

In Greenville, SC, Black residents experience disproportionately high rates of several chronic illnesses compared to their white counterparts, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. 

Dr. Joshua Paul

Studies show that Black adults in the US are more likely to develop diabetes than white adults. Additionally, Black South Carolinians are more likely to die from stroke than white residents. Factors contributing to these disparities include genetics, socioeconomic status, and access to quality healthcare. 

Here's a more detailed look at the specific conditions:

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  Diabetes:

  
  

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  One in five Black adults in South Carolina has been diagnosed with diabetes, which is significantly higher than the rate among white adults. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  High Blood Pressure:

  
  

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  Two in five Black adults have hypertension. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Heart Disease:

  
  

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  Black South Carolinians have a 25% higher death rate from heart disease compared to white residents. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Stroke:

  
  

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  Black South Carolinians are 52% more likely to die from stroke than white residents. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Asthma:

  
  

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  While not as explicitly mentioned as the other conditions, asthma is also listed as a condition where racial and ethnic minorities experience higher rates of illness and death compared to white residents, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (.gov). 

  
  
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