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The State of the Dream 2004: Enduring Disparities in Black and White

Health, continued

Life Expectancy

• In 1970, Blacks had a life expectancy 90% of that of whites in 1970 -- 64.1 years compared with 71.6 years.

• By 2000, Blacks' life expectancy was 93% of that of whites, 71.7 years compared with 77.4 years.

[image:] Graph with the following text:
Life Expectancy at Birth, 1970 and 2000
1970 White 71.62
1970 Black 64.11
2000 White 77.4
2000 Black 71.7
Years to Parity: 71
Parity Year: 2071

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics Reports, December 19, 2002. Table II. See Appendix for Years to Parity calculation.

The Black-white gap is literally a matter of life and death. The United States spends more on health care than any other country, yet lags behind other industrialized countries in health insurance coverage, infant mortality and life expectancy for all its citizens -- and especially for African Americans.

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United for a Fair Economy • Racial Wealth Divide Project 13