Latest news with #CountyHealthRankings&Roadmaps
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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
Axios
24-03-2025
- Health
- Axios
Which Colorado counties are the healthiest
Denver County has room to improve when it comes to the health outcomes of its residents, a new report suggests. Why it matters: Denver lags in key quality-of-life metrics like housing affordability, air quality, income inequality and child care cost burden — all essential drivers of long-term health. That's according to the 2025 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, an annual analysis by the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute. How it works: The study weighs more than just physical and mental health. It looks at education, employment, housing, environmental factors and more — what researchers call "social determinants of health." Zoom in: Denver County scored slightly better than the average Colorado county — and better than the U.S. average — in several categories, including: Access to exercise opportunities Broadband availability High school graduation rates Number of mental and physical health providers The big picture: Despite their resources, Colorado's biggest counties, including Denver and El Paso, aren't the healthiest in the state.
Axios
24-03-2025
- Health
- Axios
How Cuyahoga County rates in health outcomes
Cuyahoga County has room to improve when it comes to the health outcomes of its residents, a new report suggests. Why it matters: Among Cuyahoga's more eye-popping shortcomings are an overall shorter life expectancy, as well as economic factors like severe housing and high income inequality compared to the rest of the country and state. That's according to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute. The fine print: The annual study not only measures physical and mental health factors but also indicators like housing, unemployment, education and environmental issues — all of which can be improved for longer, healthier lives. Zoom in: Overall, the 2025 report determined that Cuyahoga County "is faring about the same" as the average Ohio and U.S. county for health and well-being, as well as community conditions. However, Cuyahoga has higher rates of premature deaths (years of potential life lost before age 75), children with low birth weights, child poverty and air pollution. The other side: The county did rate above average in exercise opportunities, the number of physical and mental health providers, and the percentage of residents completing high school and some college. The big picture: Cuyahoga ranks middle of the pack in Northeast Ohio. The county is deemed less healthy than neighboring counties such as Medina, Lake, Geauga and Portage, while on par with Lorain and Summit. Cuyahoga is considered a healthier county than Trumbull, Ashtabula and Mahoning. What they're saying: Places with strong civic infrastructure, such as broadband internet access and public libraries, are often healthier, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps said in a recent news release.
