Hispanic Health in Harris County, Texas

The number of Hispanics in Harris County has doubled in the past 20 years. In 2010, Hispanics made up 41% of the 4.02 million Harris County residents. Hispanics come from different countries, over 75%, of Hispanics in Harris County are of Mexican descent.

Texas has the largest number of people who are uninsured compared to other states like California. Compared to other races and ethnicities, Hispanics make up the largest uninsured racial/ethnic group in Harris County. With over 50% who are uninsured. The next highest are Asians who make up 21% of the uninsured in Harris County.

Hispanics are at high risk for depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Hispanic women are more likely to have a major depressed period in their lives compared to men. Compared to Whites, Hispanics are less likely to take mental health related medicine and less likely to talk to their doctors about any mental health concerns.

Diabetes is a chronic disease now affecting all ages and racial/ethnic groups. It is the fifth leading cause of death among Hispanics and can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. The age group most affected are adults 40-65 years of age. In Harris County, 11.0% of Hispanics and 9.0% of Whites have diabetes. Hispanics are more likely to have diabetes than any other racial/ethnic group.