Using Data to Inform and Institute Change
Santa Cruz Population by Race/Ethnicity
California Population by Race/Ethnicity
Black/African American Age Distribution
Population Distribution by Year
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Data Matters
Using data to respond and advocate for our community’s needs has been a central part of BHI’s work. Having and using the tools to dig deeper on what our lived experience looks like will only help to drive changes in the policies that affect us and our quality of life.
Since 2020, United Way of Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Black Health Initiative (SCCBHI) have worked to increase visibility of the social determinants of health impacting the Black/African American community in Santa Cruz County.
Applied Survey Research (ASR) was brought on to create the data snapshot, “Making the Invisible, Visible” released in December of 2020. ASR then worked to gather primary data and additional secondary data, completed the analysis, and compiled the spotlight report, released January 17th, 2022.
We believe that driving the investment in this work to take it to the next level is our next step. This historic and groundbreaking report and initiative centers the Black residents of Santa Cruz County's true quality of life; both by the numbers in raw data and through their lived and shared qualitative experiences.
“We know that what gets measured gets done. Our goal is to use the collected data as an opportunity to partner with local elected officials and community leaders. Together, we can begin to address the disparities outlined in our county’s declaration that racism is a public health crisis.”
— Keisha Browder, CEO, United Way of Santa Cruz County