Poll: Ohioans' sense of community connectedness varies by race, income

While most Ohioans say they feel they can depend on their community for help, the percentage of African Americans and the poor who feel connected is significantly lower, according to the latest results from a new statewide poll (Source: “Statewide poll shows stark contrast in feelings of community safety by race, income,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Jan. 23, 2015).

According to the Ohio Health Issues Poll, which is conducted by the University of Cincinnati with funding from Interact for Health, nearly 80 percent of Ohio adults who answered the telephone survey last summer said they could depend on their community, although just 56 percent of African American adults agreed. Likewise, 84 percent of Ohioans earning more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level feel connected to their community, compared to just 69 percent who earn less than 200 percent FPL.

Public health researchers have found that social connectedness is a key contributor to emotional and physical well-being.

Full disclosure: Interact for Health provides funding to the Health Policy Institute of Ohio