At least in part because of their poverty, several West Philadelphia neighborhoods have discrete populations that are especially at risk for health problems. Teenage pregnancy, coupled with inadequate health care, leads to poor health for mothers and their babies. Other social problems, such as drugs and AIDS, increasingly affect adolescents of both sexes as well as adults. In addition to targeting the neediest communities, the City must develop programs that focus on those groups most at risk. Barriers to Care Despite the extensive array of quality health care facilities and providers in West Philadelphia, all West Philadelphians do not have equal or adequate access to care.
Health care is expensive.
Many low income working families have no or inadequate health insurance and thus have no regular source of care. There are also language and cultural barriers. West Philadelphia has a very diverse population, with a number of recent Southeast Asian and African refugees and immigrants. These communities frequently are unable to find health care providers with whom they can communicate or who understand their cultures and concerns. Prevention Prevention will, in the long run, provide the greatest payoff for the City and the residents of West Philadelphia.