Ten Essential
Public Health Services
Community Themes & Strengths
Healthy Waldo County
Healthy Waldo County Community Themes & Strengths Assessment 2009
10 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES
1. Monitor health status
2. Diagnose and investigate
3. Inform, educate, and empower
4. Mobilize community partnerships
5. Develop policies and plans
6. Enforce laws and regulations
7. Link people to needed services/assure care
8. Assure a competent workforce
9. Evaluate health services
10. Research
Are you the "U" missing in Comm__nity
HMP is a collaborative effort among 28 local coalitions, the Maine DHHS (Maine CDC and Office of Substance Abuse) and DOE, supported primarily by the Funds for Healthy Maine with federal grants from the US CDC, SAMHSA, and DOE.
Community Themes
& Strengths
Between the months of May-Sept 2009, Healthy Waldo County developed a community themes and strength survey that was conducted throughout the county. The purpose of the survey was to collect resident’s opinions concerning community health problems and quality of life issues. As well as identify important issues that can be addressed through community action. The data collected in this report will help Healthy Waldo County prioritize public health issues and identify resources for addressing them.
Methodology
The Healthy Waldo County Assessment Committee met to decide how to conduct the Waldo County Community Themes and Strengths Assessment. We developed survey questions and how data would be collected.
We decided to use both paper copies of the survey and internet survey monkey to collect data.
Special efforts were made to have representation from the entire county with special efforts to reach vulnerable populations-low literacy, low income and senior groups.
The six questions
What are the 5 most important health problems in Waldo County?
What are the 5 most important things that make a “healthy community”?
How would you rate your health?
What are the 5 most important strengths of our community?
What are the 5 most important unhealthy behaviors in our community?
What environmental and economic factors are most important to create a “healthy community”?
The five most important health problems
Alcohol, Drugs &Tobacco
Cancer
Access to Healthcare (long waiting lists)
Health issues related to aging
Mental health issues/Child Abuse/Neglect ranked fifth
Five important things that make a healthy community
Access to Healthcare
Livable Wages
Quality Education
Respect of Others
Healthy Behaviors and Lifestyles
Five most important strengths of our community
Caring neighbors
Community involvement
Healthcare
Access to fresh food
Safety
268 participated in the survey
The five unhealthy behaviors in our community
Drug abuse (legal & illegal)
Tobacco use
Poor eating habits
Lack of exercise/Activity
Child/Domestic abuse
Summing up
Key Issues:
Drug, Alcohol Abuse
Tobacco Use
Cancer
Access to Healthcare
Unhealthy behaviors- poor eating habits/lack of exercise
Next Steps
Healthy Waldo County will
Share the CTSA report with community agencies and organizations, healthcare system, schools, businesses, municipalities, community leaders and the general public.
Encourage the development of task forces to encourage discussion about findings, collaboration, coordination, supporting existing services to fill in service gaps.
Start the Community Health Status Assessment review of Health Indicators provided by the Office of Local Public Health, identify additional indicators as they surface.
Focus energy and resources on the common themes present.
Please contact Vyvyenne Ritchie if you'd like the full
Power Point copy of this report.
207-930-6761
