Improving Clients’ Health with EnergyCare

When these necessities are stripped from people, it causes detrimental health outcomes, health inequity, and early death in those effected. Health equity does not mean everyone gets the “same” services, but it means that everyone gets all of the services that they need. The study “For the Sake of All” by Washington University and St. Louis University discusses the health inequity experienced by minorities in St. Louis, noting alarming hospitalization and death rates for heart disease, lung disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health. In addition, children with worsening asthma exacerbations lead to increased hospitalizations, missed school days, and increased drop-out rates for minorities.

Here at EnergyCare, we tackle thermal stress and biological/unsanitary housing conditions (quality home and environmental factors) by decreasing energy burden (the total utility bill as a percentage of annual gross income), improving client comfortability, energy efficiency of homes, and creating an atmosphere where energy equity creates health equity. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) organization, the city of St. Louis is top 10 of all US cities for highest energy burden in low income homes, low income multi-family homes, African American homes, and renting households, with energy burdens reaching almost 15%. Of these categories, low income homes have the highest median, followed closely by African American households. Weatherization and energy equity increase health equity by decreasing asthma exacerbation and increasing school days. Decreased thermal stress improves mental health and scarcity mindset. And improved housing quality/ environment allows for reduced disparity in chronic disease ultimately positively impacting our economy and everyone involved.

Be on the lookout for a full report after data collection and services rendered in the upcoming months!