The City of Independence's 2024 Community Health Assessment reveals pressing public health concerns among residents, highlighting issues such as affordable housing, mental health, houselessness, healthcare accessibility, and gun violence. The assessment, presented by the director of health and animal services, was based on a survey sent to 20,000 households, yielding a response rate that provides a 90% confidence interval with a 2% margin of error.

Among the top concerns, affordable housing emerged as a significant issue, with median housing costs rising annually since 2016. The increase was particularly steep from 2021 to 2022, averaging $20,000. This trend has made it increasingly difficult for prospective homeowners to enter the market, with nearly 50% of renters in Independence classified as cost-burdened, meaning they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on housing.

Mental health also ranked high on the list of concerns, with suicide identified as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 1 to 44. The assessment indicated that 11% of respondents sought mental health services but were unable to access them. Additionally, a significant number of emergency room visits related to suicide were reported, particularly among residents in specific ZIP codes.

Houselessness remains a growing national issue, with Missouri experiencing an 81% increase in unsheltered individuals since 2007. The assessment noted that 11 out of every 10,000 residents in Missouri are currently experiencing houselessness, which is linked to declines in both physical and mental health.

Healthcare accessibility is another critical concern, with a quarter of respondents feeling that healthcare is unaffordable. Approximately 16,000 residents lack health insurance, with the highest rates of uninsured individuals found among those aged 26 to 46. The assessment also highlighted disparities in prenatal care, with Black women in Independence facing more than double the risk of pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts.

Lastly, firearms and gun violence were identified as significant public health issues, with a strong correlation between gun violence and mental health. The assessment noted that Missouri has a higher rate of violent crime than the national average, further complicating the public health landscape in Independence.

These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and resources to address the multifaceted health challenges facing the community.