We investigate the relationship between foreclosures and health using data from Arizona, California,
Florida, and New Jersey, four states that are among the hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. Data on the
universe of foreclosures between 2005 to 2009 are combined with data on all emergency room and
hospital visits. Living in a neighborhood with a spike in foreclosures is associated with increases in
preventable conditions and for urgent, unscheduled visits for conditions including suicide attempts and
heart attacks as well as for preventable conditions. Foreclosure activity has no significant effect on visits
for cancer, a condition that is likely to be less immediately affected by stress. The estimated effects
cannot be accounted for by increasing unemployment, or by people switching from out-patient to
hospital providers, and most likely reflect the impact of the financial pain generated by the crisis.
Presented by:
Erdal Tekin (Georgia State)
Date & time:
April 23, 2012 3:00 pm - April 23, 2012 4:30 am
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