Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to tackle the city’s “death gap.” Here’s how he’s trying to do it.

Chicago has long been grappling with a significant disparity in life expectancy between different neighborhoods, a phenomenon known as the “death gap.” Mayor Brandon Johnson is determined to address this issue, which he attributes to homicides and drug overdoses.

According to a report from the Chicago Department of Public Health in 2023, the neighborhood of the Loop boasts the highest life expectancy at 87.3 years, while West Garfield Park has the lowest at just 66.6 years. Mayor Johnson, who took office in May 2023, reported a 30% decrease in homicides and a 34% decrease in drug overdoses under his administration.

In an interview with “CBS Evening News,” Mayor Johnson acknowledged the longstanding nature of this problem and emphasized the need for targeted investments in communities like West Garfield Park. He highlighted the importance of focusing on critical areas such as youth employment, education, and mental health care to improve the overall quality of life for all Chicago residents.

When asked about the priority between investments and addressing crime and drugs, Mayor Johnson stressed the need for a balanced approach. He emphasized the immediate need for investments in education and housing while also tackling long-standing challenges that have been neglected for years.

Mayor Johnson outlined the city’s strategic partnerships in policing, affordable housing, youth employment, and mental health care services as part of a comprehensive approach to address these issues. Despite progress, he acknowledged that more work remains and expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the federal government, particularly in the area of mental health care funding.

The mayor remains optimistic about the city’s trajectory and believes that continued collaboration and investment in critical areas will lead to a significant improvement in life expectancy for all Chicagoans. Despite challenges, he is committed to driving positive change and creating a future where all residents can be proud of their city’s life expectancy outcomes.