Health Assessment Resource Center releases Veterans Health Report

There is an estimated 50,350 veterans in the Coachella Valley which make up approximately 14% of the adult population. To address the health status and health needs of this important group, HARC, Inc. has released a special report that compares Coachella Valley veterans to non-veterans, in order to identify health issues that may be more prominent in this population.

Results show that most Coachella Valley veterans have the basis for a healthy life: they are economically stable, have high education levels, health insurance, and have routine preventive screenings. However, officials said there are some issues that must be addressed to ensure a healthy veteran population in the Coachella Valley.

Some of these issues include:

Coachella Valley veterans are significantly more likely than non-veterans to have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack and stroke
Approximately 9,200 veterans have been diagnosed with diabetes
Coachella Valley veterans are significantly more likely than non-veterans to require the use of assistive technology such as wheelchairs or canes
Approximately 7,500 veterans do not engage in physical activity at all, putting them at risk for poor health
Approximately 14% of Coachella Valley senior veterans have fallen in the past three months

Read the full HARC report here