When it comes to providing opportunities for social and economic mobility, Northern Virginia is a region of stark contrasts, with communities of great affluence virtually adjacent to highly disadvantaged neighborhoods where residents struggle to get ahead. A new report by the Center on Society and Health, commissioned by the Northern Virginia Health Foundation (NVHF), found 15 “islands of disadvantage” where people face multiple, serious challenges, interspersed among the region’s wealthy communities.

The report is the first of its kind in Northern Virginia to delve deeply—at the census tract level—into a wide range of social and economic factors that shape residents’ health and their opportunities to thrive. State vital statistics show that the estimated life expectancy of newborns in Northern Virginia can vary by as much as 18 years, depending on the census tract in which a child is born. Although the quality of life in Northern Virginia is generally good, the report shows that the opportunity landscape to “get ahead” varies dramatically across the region and even more distinctly across small geographic areas.

“Not all Northern Virginia is populated by affluent, well-educated families with the resources for leading a prosperous life,” said NVHF President Patricia N. Mathews. “This report shows that we need to think more strategically and more holistically about how to create opportunity for everyone in Northern Virginia, especially those who are most vulnerable.”

In dozens of census tracts across the region, opportunity is limited by problems such as poverty, low levels of education, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate access to health care. People of color are disproportionately located in disadvantaged areas, and, as a result, face greater challenges.

A Call for Cross-Sector Solutions

Research shows that health care accounts for only 10% to 20% of health outcomes; the rest is largely determined by factors such as a person’s income, level of education attainment, and living conditions. “Health is not simply a matter of clinical outcomes,” Ms. Mathews said. “Health is about how we live, and the various economic and social factors that affect every-day life. This means that solutions for addressing inequities must focus not only on health care but on a broad range of issues, including education, workforce training, housing, and transportation.

“The win-win,” she added, “is that the solutions that are most important for improving health and wellbeing are in fact those that can also grow business and local economies. That’s why it will take all of us, working together, to make Northern Virginia a place where everyone can thrive.”

The report covers Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County—as well as cities within the region—and is accompanied by an interactive mapping tool that allows users to view an array of data at the census tract level.  State and community leaders are encouraged to use the new report and mapping tool to work together on expanding opportunities for health and prosperity across the region.

To review the new report and mapping tool, visit the Northern Virginia Health Foundation’s webpage.