Latinx Destinations, Segregation, and Access to Federally Qualified Health Centers

Abstract

This study explores differences in levels of residential segregation, isolation, and access to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across Latinx destinations. . FQHCs are an integral part of the US healthcare system because they provide comprehensive primary care services on a sliding fee scale to medically underserved areas and populations. Building on prior literature (Ackert et al., 2021), we examine how residential segregation impacts the disparate access to FQHCs across Latinx destination counties, defined based on the historical presence and growth of the Latinx population. In this study, residential segregation is measured using the Dissimilarity Index, and isolation is measured with the Isolation Index. Both indices were calculated at the county level using Census data on census tracts. Information on FQHCs comes from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Counties are categorized as new, established, or other Latinx destinations based on the percent Latinx in 1990 and Latinx growth from 1990 to 2010. Thus far, exploratory data analysis has demonstrated disparities in segregation and access to FQHCs across destination types. Established destinations have, on average, more FQHCs per capita than new destinations. New destinations are more segregated, on average, while established destinations have higher average levels of isolation. Exploratory spatial data analysis reveals a spatial patterning of residential segregation and access to FQHCs. Areas with high levels of segregation or isolation and a low number of FQHCs per capita seem to be concentrated in the U.S. South. Regression analysis will be employed to investigate these relationships in more detail.