Ulster County Shares New Health Assessment Report
Ulster County has released a new community health assessment report, acting like a health report card to help pinpoint health issues in specific neighborhoods. This tool will guide where resources and health programs are most needed.
County Executive Jen Metzger emphasizes the importance of good health for both individuals and the community. The report identifies critical health concerns, enabling targeted public health investments.
The findings reveal interesting statistics:
- Child Vaccinations: About 64% of children between 24 and 35 months have received the complete vaccine series. This is higher than the state average of 59.3% and better than the target of 62.3% set by the state.
- HPV Vaccination Rates: However, the rate of HPV vaccinations for girls aged 13 in Ulster is just 14.5%, notably lower than the statewide average of 25.7%. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer, so increasing awareness and vaccinations is crucial.
While some cancer mortality rates, like lung and colon cancer, are decreasing, breast cancer rates for women remain constant. This highlights the ongoing need for effective screening and early detection methods.
Health disparities exist in heart disease, asthma, and Type 2 diabetes, particularly across different races and zip codes. For example, the rate of Lyme disease cases in Ulster is far higher at 501.3 per 100,000 residents, compared to the statewide average of 109.1.
On a positive note, some sexually transmitted diseases, like gonorrhea, have seen a significant decline among Hispanic communities. Yet, trends still vary by race and ethnicity, revealing areas that require further attention.
Maternal and Infant Health: The report shows that Ulster County falls short in prenatal care, with only 68.4% of births receiving adequate care compared to the New York state average of 77.3%. However, in-hospital breastfeeding rates are impressive at 61.3%, well above the state average of 46.7%. Breastfeeding is crucial for both maternal and child health.
For older adults, the hospitalization rate for falls is 26 per 1,000, significantly lower than the national goal for healthy populations.
While county suicide rates are lower than the national average, they are still higher than the state average. Mental health and substance use disorders are linked to higher risks of mortality. Factors such as social isolation and stress can worsen this issue, as highlighted in the report.
Food Insecurity: Approximately 13% of residents face food insecurity, which is disproportionately higher among Black and Latino residents compared to their white counterparts.
Eve Walter, the Public Health Director, stated that the use of detailed zip code-level data will help target and address health disparities in Ulster County more effectively.
By keeping an eye on these issues, the county hopes to foster healthier communities and better resources for all residents.
For more details and to explore the report, visit Ulster County Health Assessment.
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