In Poor Health | Baltimore Struggles to Keep Poor Residents Healthy | Capital News Service

In Poor Health

Why is Baltimore's world-renowned health system struggling to keep Freddie Gray's neighbors — some of the city's poorest residents — from getting sick?

Barriers Block Path to Better Health Care for Freddie Gray's Neighbors

Residents of Baltimore's poorer neighborhoods are plagued by rates of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension much higher than in wealthier parts of the city.

Those conditions lead to lives that are shorter and sicker than the lives of people who live in more affluent parts of town -- evidence that the health care system is failing the city's poor.

Quest for Blood Pressure Cuff Highlights Inequality

The doctor told Sharlene Adams to get a blood pressure cuff. That meant spending all day on the bus.

World-Class Medical Care Close but Elusive

There is deep distrust between poor African Americans and the city's health system, echoing a similar divide with police.

West Baltimore Is Like North Korea

The life expectancy for poor Baltimore residents is similar to a developing country. Rich neighborhoods resemble Western Europe.

In Nine Miles, 15 Years of Life Vanish

Follow us from leafy Roland Park to nearly treeless Sandtown, and watch life expectancy plummet. A short trip that reveals deep health inequality.

At Clinic, Poverty Magnifies Health Problems

Total Health Care staff deals with chronic illnesses that arise in younger people.

Bias Against Drug Use Delays Diagnosis

Patient who hasn't used drugs in decades says doctors dismiss ailments of ex-drug users.

‘Bon Se-Killer’ Hospital Seeks to Win Back Trust

Bon Secours deals with patients who are sicker than those in other Baltimore medical centers.

Health Screenings Ended When Money Ran Out

Public health officials say pilot programs can't meet the need in West Balitmore.

Neighborhood Pharmacy Tries to Survive

After the riots, a small pharmacy battles chain stores to provide a higher level of service to the community.

CVS Expansion Sparks Tension

The healthcare chain quickly announced it would rebuild after looting and fire during April riots.