Population Health
This indicator measures population, population growth rates, projected population, infant mortality, life expectancy and average family income in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin. The indicator also describes income dependence on traditional sectors such as forestry, fishing and mining in the Georgia Basin.

Why is it happening?

Jobs, Urban Amenities, and a Green Environment

People move to this region for relatively well-paying jobs, with the benefits of a dramatic natural environment defined by both temperate rain forests and the ubiquitous presence of water. Housing location is dependent on where housing is available, and return on investment considerations. For a recent look at the immigrant population, see " Younger People Continue to Migrate to the Central Puget Sound Region."²

Click on the graph at right to view a larger version of "Medium Family Income (2000) in US Dollars in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin"
Source: BC Stats, State of Washington Office of Financial Management

Our economy, once firmly anchored in resource extraction industries such as timber, fishing, and mining, has diversified into more service and value-added industries since the 1960s. The Squamish Regional District in BC provides one example. This region, once dominated by forestry (16 percent of local revenues), has shifted to tourism as its leading economic activity (23 percent of local revenues).

Yet overall, we continue to be driven by an export-oriented economy, particularly with the Pacific Rim nations, and enjoy strides in aerospace, biotechnology, film, tourism, software development, and value-added manufacturing. In addition, Washington and British Columbia have both similar and competitive products such as food, wine, seafood and forest products, all of which are part of the Pacific Northwest "brand."³

Life Expectancy and Infant Mortality: 1999-2003

In general, both life expectancy and infant mortality are slightly higher in the Georgia Basin compared to Puget Sound. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child, one year or younger, per 1,000 live births. Poverty and racial minority status are both associated with poor health status which, in turn, is related to infant mortality.

Life Expectancy

Click on the graph at right to view a larger version of "Life Expectancy in Years by Counties/Municipalities in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin"
Source: BC Stats, State of Washington Office of Financial Management

Life expectancy is highest in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (81 years) in British Columbia and King County (80 years) in Washington, the areas of the basin with the largest populations.

Infant Mortality

Click on the graph at right to view a larger version of "Infant Mortality Rates Per 1,000 Births in the Puget Sound Georgia Basin"
Source: BC Stats, State of Washington Office of Financial Management

Infant mortality in Puget Sound has generally decreased from 1999-2003 but the data indicate wide variability among both social groups and geographic areas. The infant mortality rate (IMR) for Medicaid infants (7.3 babies per 1,000) is considerably higher than for non-Medicaid infants (4.9 babies per 1,000). In Puget Sound, the highest IMR was found in Pierce County (6.7/1,000) and lowest in San Juan County (0/1,000).

In the Georgia Basin, the highest IMR was found in Comox-Strathcona (6/1,000) and lowest in the Sunshine Coast (1/1,000).

Improved infant mortality overall is related to better pre-natal habits such as smoking and alcohol use cessation, nutrition, and breast feeding post delivery.⁴

• Improved Medicaid Patient Prenatal Care: In Puget Sound, the First Steps program was launched, which expanded access to prenatal care.
• Back to Sleep Media Campaign and Public Accountability: This early 1990s U.S. media campaign recommended that infants be placed on their backs for sleep. Sleep position is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In addition, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services included infant mortality and minority infant mortality in its public accountability scorecard and initiated targeted interventions for reducing SIDS.
• Smoking Cessation: First Steps Maternity Support Services were trained to assist in smoking cessation interventions. In addition, Medicaid reimbursement for nicotine replacement therapy for pregnant women was implemented.
• Respiratory Disease in Low Weight Infants: In the early 1990s, therapies for respiratory disease reduced infant mortality among very low birth weight infants.
• Act Now: This British Columbia Provincial Government initiative encourages individuals to make better choices to improve their quality of life. This includes eating healthier, exercising and quitting smoking.

   

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