HEALTH
Since 1990, Staten Island has had the fastest rate of growth in New York State, with the growing population of new residents helping to transform the face of Staten Island. Yet, on an island that once had five hospitals, only two remain, each having had serious financial difficulties. It is most important to closely assess the delivery of health promotion and health care services to the diverse groups on Staten Island.
For selected health concerns, such as infant mortality, acquired lead poisoning in children, hospital admissions for asthma, immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and tuberculosis, long standing disparities between the northeast shore of Staten Island and other areas remain.
Of particular concern is the rate of smoking on Staten Island. Staten Islanders smoke at a rate higher than the city average, and the mortality rate for lung cancer is highest among the boroughs. Annual deaths from smoking far surpassed deaths from other causes. These issues, along with other important indicators, such as access to health care for the uninsured and underinsured, pose opportunities as well as serious new challenges and concerns for the health and well being of the people of Staten Island.
Margaret Massoni
CSI Department of Nursing
