Scanning the external environment:

Environmental threats to health can not be ignored. They are of increasing concern due to the ever increasing industrial pollution, destruction of the natural environment due growth and misuse, and naturally occurring events of destruction. Environmental protection, economic stability, social equity, and health of the community are inextricably linked. Visit http://www.scorecard.org

Changing demographics will play a significant role in the next few decades. Our aging population is growing, the cultural and racial mix is shifting, and where we come from in the United States is changing.

Disparities in health have been demonstrated across the U.S., in the South, Blacks have much poor health than whites. In the West, Hispanics have poorer health than Asians or Whites.