Comprehensive Assessment Examines Health and Welfare of County Residents

The 2025 Stanislaus County Community Health Assessment (CHA) offers a striking view of the health and well-being of residents. It highlights significant challenges many families face, particularly high housing costs and inadequate wages.

The report is a result of collaborative efforts among the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency and the Stanislaus County Health Coalition. They gathered data and community feedback to identify health issues affecting the area and lay out plans for improvement.

Vernell Shaw from Health Net emphasizes the CHA’s role: “It’s more than just data. It’s a roadmap for meaningful change.” The assessment shines a light on health inequities, aiming to give every person the support they need to lead healthier lives.

Key areas of focus in the CHA include chronic diseases, mental health, and maternal health. It also examines how social factors—like housing, jobs, and healthcare—affect overall wellness.

Some alarming statistics come from the housing section:

• 64% of residents believe more affordable housing is essential.
• Families may wait over eight years for Section 8 assistance.
• To rent a two-bedroom apartment, a person needs to earn $29.38 per hour.
• 48% want more shelters and outreach programs.
• Half of renters spend over 30% of their income on housing, straining their budgets.
• 29% of homeowners are struggling with high housing costs.

The CHA also reveals the economic climate:

• The average household income stands at $74,872, about $17,000 less than the state average.
• Nearly 14% of residents live below the poverty line, which surpasses the national average.
• One in two respondents claims there is a lack of access to affordable, nutritious food.
• A family of four needs $119,303 annually just to meet basic needs, yet one in three families can’t afford these essentials.

Education reflects some troubling trends too. Only 21% of students meet math proficiency standards compared to 34% statewide. Many report issues such as drug use in schools and struggle with anxiety and depression, yet mental health resources are scarce.

Heather Duvall, Managing Director of the Health Services Agency, emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “Working together helps us understand community needs and take action.”

The CHA will guide the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which focuses on health priorities over the next three years. This plan will include shared goals, strategies based on evidence, and measurable outcomes aimed at improving health across the county.

For more details, you can access the full 2025 Community Health Assessment online at schsa.org/CHR.

This assessment is not just numbers; it represents the voices and needs of the Stanislaus community. As the conversation continues, it’s crucial that local residents and officials work together to turn these insights into action.

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