Poor health outcomes are generally correlated with poverty, which is correlated with poor access to preventive health care and education. According to a National Center for Disease Control Survey, Santa Clara County leads both the nation and California in immunization rates for children ages 18-35 months. Whites have the highest rate of deaths due to coronary heart disease. All people are safe in their homes, workplaces, schools and neighborhoods. The level and perception of crime in a community are significant factors that affect quality of life.
Crime has wide-ranging effects on communities.
In addition to economic costs, the fear, frustration and instability resulting from crime chisel away at our sense of community and undermine people's ability to get ahead. Of the seven most populated counties, Santa Clara county ranked fourth in violent crime reduction during the first half of 1999 compared with the same period in 1998. Driving this decline were decreased assault rates. The arts are playing an increasingly important role in the region and our individual lives. Through the arts and cultural activities Silicon Valley celebrates and draws inspiration from its diversity and shared community experiences.