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Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare is an important part of health equity in Flint and Genesee County. Being able to receive preventive care, primary care, specialty services, medications, mental health support, and timely treatment can have a significant impact on individual and community health.

Healthcare access does not exist in isolation. Health outcomes are also shaped by factors such as income, housing, transportation, environmental conditions, food access, and other conditions in the places where people live, work, learn, and grow.

Community-academic partnerships across Flint and Genesee County are working to better understand these interconnected health needs, identify disparities, and develop resources that support healthier communities.

Cancer in Flint

Understanding local cancer patterns, experiences, and access to care is an important part of exploring health equity in Flint. Community partners and researchers are working together to better understand cancer trends, share information with residents, and elevate community experiences related to cancer and cancer care.
Cancer Incidence in the City of Flint (2000–2018)

This infographic highlights key findings from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Cancer Incidence Review for the City of Flint, 2000-2018. Developed by the Flint Community Cancer Consortium (FC3), the infographic presents key findings from the review in an accessible, visual format.

The review compared cancer rates in the City of Flint with rates in Genesee County and the State of Michigan over a 19-year period. When the full 2000-2018 period was examined, Flint had significantly higher rates of lung and bronchus cancer and larynx cancer than both Genesee County and Michigan overall. Rates of stomach cancer and prostate cancer were also significantly higher in Flint than in Michigan. At the same time, some cancers, including ovarian, testicular, urinary bladder, and brain and other central nervous system cancers, occurred at significantly lower rates in Flint than in both Genesee County and the state.

The review also identified some differences by race. For most of the cancer types examined, rates among Black and White Flint residents were not significantly different. However, Black residents had significantly higher rates of stomach and prostate cancer than White residents, while White residents had a significantly higher rate of urinary bladder cancer.

  • Lymphoma and Beyond: A Conversation About Cancer Care: What should community members know about lymphoma, cancer treatment, and cancer care resources? This Flint Community Webinar, aired on August 14th, 2026, brings together experts to discuss lymphoma and the broader cancer care landscape, including information about diagnosis, treatment, resources, and care available to patients and families. Watch this webinar here.
  • Learn More About Cancer Research in Flint: The Flint Community Cancer Consortium (FC3) brings together community members, researchers, healthcare partners, and other organizations to better understand cancer concerns in Flint and support community-engaged approaches to cancer research and communication. Visit the FC3 website here.
  • Community Voices – Digital Storytelling Project: Cancer statistics tell one part of the story. Personal experiences can help us better understand how cancer affects individuals, families, and communities. The Community Voices: Digital Storytelling Project, developed in partnership with broadcast media educator Jamal Bransford and the Flint Public Health Youth Academy (FPHYA), provides a space for Flint community members to share their experiences and perspectives through digital storytelling. Explore more about this project here.
    Aurora’s Story: Hear Aurora share her story and perspective through the Community Voices project here.

Kidney Health

Kidneys play an important role in overall health, but kidney disease can develop with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Understanding risk factors, prevention strategies, screening, and available resources can help individuals take steps to protect their kidney health.

Kidney Health: Risks, Prevention, and Resources: This Flint Community Webinar, aired on February 13, 2026, explores kidney health, including common risk factors for kidney disease, approaches to prevention and early detection, and resources available to support individuals and families. Watch it here.

Local health data can help identify patterns, disparities, and opportunities for improving health across communities. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Michigan Health Statistics provides data on births, deaths, infant mortality, preventable hospitalizations, chronic disease, and other indicators. These data can help researchers, organizations, and community members better understand health needs and trends in Flint, Genesee County, and communities across Michigan. Explore Michigan Health Statistics here.

Continue Exploring Health Equity in Flint

Health is influenced by many interconnected factors. Explore other areas within the interactive Flint community page to learn more about housing, transportation, food access, environmental conditions, community resources, and other conditions that shape health. Visit the Community page here.