COVID Hit NJ Hardest In Cities Most Vulnerable Pre-Pandemic: Report

NEW JERSEY — COVID-19 changed the world. But New Jersey's most medically vulnerable communities before the pandemic were largely the most impacted by the coronavirus, according to one report.

Health disparities partially driven by race, ethnicity, geography and class became factors in each community's vulnerability, according to the New Jersey Hospital Association's report.

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The NJHA developed a vulnerable communities database in 2019, which contains data on 20 health indicators for each New Jersey zip code, including chronic conditions, lack of prenatal care and premature death. The database also includes social factors, such as food access, high school graduation rates and employment status.

The organization updated a significant portion of its database this year, re-ranking New Jersey's most vulnerable communities. The top 10 remains the same — albeit in a slightly different order:

1. 08104, Camden (third in 2019)
2. 08103, Camden (first in 2019)
3. 08608, Trenton (second in 2019)
4. 08102, Camden (fourth in 2019)
5. 07102, Newark (fifth in 2019)
6. 08401, Atlantic City (sixth in 2019)
7. 07505, Paterson (seventh in 2019)
8. 08105, Camden (ninth in 2019)
9. 07114, Newark (eighth in 2019)
10. 07108, Newark (10th in 2019)

Seven of the 10 most vulnerable zip codes experienced the highest per capital rates of COVID cases in the pandemic. The zip codes were in Camden, Trenton, Newark and Paterson.

Preparation for the next big public-health crisis could be more effective by focusing on communities lacking in social determinants of health, such as food access, stable housing and employment opportunities, the NJHA says.

“That’s a critical reminder for public health, policymakers and the provider community,” said NJHA President Cathy Bennett. “But there’s also a message for each of us on a personal and local level. Everyone can help us emerge from this pandemic stronger by volunteering their time, donating to a food pantry, contributing to a coat drive or supporting any number of worthy causes that help build up communities.”