Health roadmap shows declines in Wayne County teen birth rates, drug overdoses, deaths
Wayne County residents are experiencing better overall health and well-being compared to the Ohio and national averages, according to the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report.
The report is a nationwide analysis conducted by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The county shows lower rates of smoking, obesity and premature death compared to Ohio and national averages, and its residents benefit from strong community conditions that contribute to overall wellness.
The percentage of adult smokers in Wayne County is 17%, compared to 20% in Ohio and 16% nationwide, according to the report.
Notable improvements include a significant decrease in teen birth rates and a reduction in drug overdose deaths.
While specific numbers for Wayne County were not available, Ohio's teen birth rate stands at 15.4 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19, slightly higher than the national average of 13.9 births per 1,000, according to the CDC.
Statewide, unintentional drug overdose deaths fell by 9% in 2023, outpacing the 2% national decline, according to state data.
Wayne County has fewer primary care physicians per resident than the state and national averages, and mental health concerns persist, with residents reporting slightly more poor mental health days than the Ohio average.
The county has a population-to-primary-care-physician ratio of 2,500 resident to one physician, significantly higher than Ohio's 1,330 residents to one doctor, and the national ratio of 1,310:1, highlighting a shortage of providers in the area.
Wayne County residents report an average of 5.4 poor mental health days per month, compared to 5.1 days in Ohio and 4.7 days nationally.
Health Commissioner Nicholas V. Cascarelli said population health is more than what happens in a doctor's office.
'We have a really good built environment conducive to healthy lifestyles,' he said. 'But that's not to say we're without our issues.'
According to Cascarelli, the county's lower rate of premature deaths has been aided by a decline in overdose fatalities, but obesity remains a concern.
Premature death, measured as years of potential life lost before age 75, averages 7,200 years per 100,000 people in Wayne County, compared to 8,500 in Ohio and 7,300 nationwide.
'Adult obesity still continues to contributes to years of life lost,' he said.
The adult obesity rate in Wayne County is 35%, compared to 34% in Ohio and 32% nationwide, according to the Roadmaps report.
Wayne County, classified as a micropolitan area, has a population of 116,510, with 55.8% of residents living in low-population-density areas.
The rural environment plays a role in shaping health outcomes, with access to green spaces, lower pollution levels and community-driven initiatives contributing to positive trends.
"We always encourage people to eat right, stay active, and get vaccinated when appropriate. If you need to work on something, don't try to make wholesale changes overnight, incremental improvements are more sustainable.' Cascarelli said.
Known as the social determinants of health, the factors include education, employment, income, housing stability and community resources.
Wayne County's population also differs demographically from the state average. Below is a comparison:
Wayne County
Ohio
% Below 18 Years of Age
23.8%
21.9%
% 65 and Older
19.5%
18.7%
% Female
50.0%
50.7%
% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.2%
0.3%
% Asian
1.1%
2.8%
% Hispanic
2.5%
4.8%
% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0.1%
0.1%
% Non-Hispanic Black
1.6%
12.9%
% Non-Hispanic White
93.1%
76.7%
% Disability: Functional Limitations
30%
31%
% Not Proficient in English
1%
1%
Children in Single-Parent Households
11%
26%
% Rural
55.8%
23.7%
Population
116,510
11,785,935
The Wayne County Health Department has taken steps to improve community well-being, partnering with Wooster and Orrville on projects such as park improvements and a farmers market in Orrville. It also provides immunization services and operates as a hub for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Collaborations between Wooster and Orrville have led to programs aimed at improving local parks and launching a new farmers market, expanding access to recreational activities and fresh, healthy foods, the health commissioner said.
Cascarelli advised residents to focus on preventative health measures, including staying active, eating a balanced diet and keeping up with vaccinations.
'People need to listen more to their physicians,' he said. 'They're there for your best interest, just as the health department is here for the entire community's well-being.'
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Population Health Institute study shows Wayne numbers improving
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