Are Federally Qualified Health Centers Accessible to Pediatric Populations in Most Need throughout Detroit? A Visualization Using Proximity Analysis

Abstract

Background. Detroit has one of the highest child poverty rates in the nation. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are critical in reducing health inequities by providing care to impoverished children. The objective of this work was to determine, by proximity analysis, if FQHCs in Detroit are currently accessible to impoverished children, and to examine what areas require expansion. Methods. After acquisition of relevant data, distance buffers were created. Thereafter, analysis was conducted to determine the proportion of children in poverty and the child population in the buffer range, as well as outside the buffer range. Results. Proximity analysis shows that, while some FQHCs are distributed appropriately, a large proportion of the city remains underserved. Wee over half of children in poverty in Detroit (67.2%) do not reside in close proximity to a FQHC. Conclusion. While FQHCs across Detroit are currently in proximity to some, a substantial proportion of impoverished children remain underserved.