The Hamilton County Health Department has recently published its 2024 A Picture of Our Health Community Health Assessment. This report, which is released every 4-5 years, focuses on eight key factors that affect the overall health of residents in Hamilton County. These factors include access to healthcare and health coverage, environmental health, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, mental health, injuries, substance abuse, and vulnerable populations.
The report offers a comprehensive overview of the health status of Hamilton County residents. In response to the findings of the assessment, the Health Department and the Regional Health Council will collaborate to develop strategies aimed at improving the health and well-being of the community. These strategies will involve identifying health priorities and engaging the community in addressing these issues.
Dr. Dawn Ford, Epidemiology Department Manager, sees the 175-page assessment as an important tool for reducing disease prevalence in the community. She hopes that individuals will adopt healthier behaviors such as increasing exercise, eating better, and quitting smoking in response to the findings of the assessment. To provide up-to-date local health information to the community, Dr. Ford’s Epidemiology Department plans to release additional informational materials on topics covered in the report and create a data dashboard that will be accessible online.
Overall, this Community Health Assessment serves as a valuable resource for understanding and addressing public health issues in Hamilton County. By working together with community members and stakeholders to implement effective strategies for improving health outcomes, we can create a healthier future for all residents in our county.
