NPR

Death Rate Among Black Americans Declines, Especially For Elderly People

The CDC says the death rate for black Americans fell 25 percent over 17 years and was especially dramatic for those 65 and older. But young black people are still dying earlier than white Americans.
The death rate for African-Americans dropped 25 percent over 17 years, but most of that was among people ages 65 and older.

For decades, black Americans have been dying at a higher rate than white Americans.

That's still true overall. But now there's some good news about this long, disturbing trend: The overall death rate for black Americans fell 25 percent between 1999 and 2015, according to a released Tuesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
The House Plans To Hold Separate Votes On Aid For Israel And Ukraine After Delays
Aid for Israel became more urgent after the weekend's attack, House Speaker Mike Johnson said. After months of delays, he is also putting forward a bill that provide additional aid to Ukraine.
NPR3 min readInternational Relations
Iran's Leaders Insist The Attack Against Israel Was A 'Victory'
Iranian officials have heaped praise on the attack, with a top lawmaker saying that "it humiliated the Israeli regime." But Israel says 99% of Iran's missiles and drones were intercepted.
NPR3 min readAmerican Government
What To Know About Iran's Strike On Israel; Jury Selection Begins For Trump Trial
Iran strikes Israel in retaliation for an attack that killed top Iranian officers at an Iranian consulate in Syria. Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to begin Monday in New York.

Related Books & Audiobooks