The NAACP has released findings from a new report examining health equity across the United States. As one of the largest contemporary grassroots assessments of community health resources to date, “ACE Your Health” is backed by rigorous, science-based analysis from global pharmaceutical company Sanofi.
According to a news release shared with AFROTECH™, the report draws on responses from nearly 23,000 people across 47 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. It provides insight into the real-world conditions shaping health outcomes in under-resourced neighborhoods and historically underserved communities, offering data to help local leaders, policymakers, advocates, and health systems drive meaningful change.
“The voices of nearly 23,000 people are a powerful reminder that health is shaped, or undermined, long before anyone walks into a doctor’s office. Our collaboration with the NAACP on the ACE Your Health report reflects Sanofi’s belief that the most powerful innovations happen when we act with communities, not just for them, to address the root causes of health inequity,” said Tanisha M. Sullivan, Sanofi’s head of external engagement and health equity Strategy.
‘ACE Your Health’ Highlights Ongoing Structural Inequities
Many respondents report access to key neighborhood resources. For example, 94% said they have a grocery store nearby, and nearly three-quarters (71%) reported feeling safe in their neighborhoods, the news release states.
At the same time, data reveal persistent structural inequities. Health burden remains high, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents reporting at least one chronic condition, with rates climbing with age and declining with income.
Economic status remains a key factor in determining access to resources. Respondents with lower incomes are significantly less likely to live near quality hospitals and more likely to face challenges with housing costs and reliable transportation.
Income disparities also extend to digital access. While 72% of respondents report having broadband internet, lower-income households are more likely to rely on cellular data or public Wi-Fi, per the news release. As a result, this limits access to telehealth services and broader economic opportunities.
Together, these factors contribute to chronic stress, identified as the most dominant influence on health. Respondents cited financial strain, unsafe neighborhoods, caregiving responsibilities, and discrimination as key drivers.
Trust in healthcare remains significant, with 76% of respondents indicating that local providers understand their community’s cultural needs. Still, only one in three Black or African American respondents felt that providers truly understood their needs, with many feeling dismissed or unheard.
The report identifies five key priority areas where focused advocacy and investment could have the greatest impact. These include housing and environmental conditions, transportation access, and access to affordable, culturally responsive care. It also points to food affordability and availability, as well as chronic stress and caregiving demands.
Turning Findings Into Action To Tackle Health Inequities
The NAACP plans to use these findings to guide its advocacy efforts, support targeted investments, and help communities take a more active role in shaping their health outcomes.
“This report confirms what our communities have been saying for generations: your zip code can be a more powerful determinant of your health than your genetic code,” said Dr. Chris Pernell, director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity.
“The ACE Your Health survey moves beyond data points to capture the lived experience of our communities. We cannot treat our way out of this crisis. We must address the root causes: the aging apartments with mold that trigger asthma, the unreliable buses that make it difficult to attend appointments, and the chronic stress of financial insecurity that wears down the body. These findings are a roadmap for policymakers and health leaders to invest in the conditions that create health, not just treat the sickness that results from their absence,” she continued.
