Community Wellness
The Community Wellness focus area identified the following issues that need to be addressed by the community:
Increase Access and Affordable Healthcare
Affordable health care was the number one issue in this area. Fifty percent of the respondents reported that affordable healthcare was a major or moderate concern. Availability of affordable providers is another concern. This issue also entails the underinsured and uninsured and the impact of using the emergency room vs preventive care due to no insurance. See pages 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 85.
Address Health Needs for Vulnerable Populations
Seniors and others have difficult choices due to costs. We have an aging population and affordable health care is needed. Affordable mental health options is a concern. Access availability for Medicaid is another concern. There is a lack of facilities and professionals for mental health and substance abuse programs. North Range Behavioral Health superior but underfunded. Mental health visits increased 80% to the emergency room due to costs and availability of services. We are also seeing a higher number of kids that are being committed. Prenatal and preventive care need to continue to increase. See pages 77, 78, 84, 109, 110, 112.
Improve Health Literacy
Many people do not understand the medical language so this impairs their ability to function adequately in the health care environment.
Reduce Substance Abuse
Drug abuse and alcohol abuse were both identified as major concerns in the survey. Seventy one percent of key informants and 31% of households identified drug abuse as a major or moderate concern. Sixty five percent of key informants and 28% of households identified alcohol abuse as a major or moderate concern. See pages 78, 79, 84.