Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
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| STATE HEALTH SERVICES program specialist Mike Gilliam summarizes results of a health assessment survey conducted in Freestone county. |
The Community Health Needs Assessment highlights the answers to a survey mailed some months ago by the Texas Department of State Health Services, in conjunction with the Freestone county extension office.
This is the first single county assessment done by the DSHS, says county extension agent Wendi Green. Some 575 individuals completed and returned the survey, she points out, "and DSHS says that was a pretty good response."
A major effort to document health issues in Freestone county, purpose of the assessment is to provide useful information that can assist individuals and organizations in improving health and maximizing resources in Freestone county.
The report includes feedback from the respondents, and available demographic and epidemiological, or population, information. The survey and the assessment were produced at no cost to Freestone county.
"One of the things we hope to do with this report is find out what the next step should be," Mrs. Green says.
"This is a jumping-off point for applying and receiving grants to address the needs mentioned in the survey," she adds. "The survey will also benefit various organizations and government entities in Freestone county."
The executive summary was discussed Monday night, topic by topic, by Mike Gilliam, program specialist with the DSHS in Austin. The summary refers to the actual report, which is some 90 pages long, and includes many details and most of the responses given by Freestone county residents, including invidivual comments.
Some of the results of the survey are: most of the county residents who completed the survey were female, age 45-54, and the largest occupation group was teachers and educators. Largest income group represented was $50,000 to $74,999.
Greatest majority of respondents said their physical health, mental health and quality of life was "very good" or "good".
The 10 most identified "major problems" or "problems" regarding community health were 1) smoking tobacco by people 18 and over; 2) drug abuse; 3) smoking tobacco by people under 18; 4) cancer; 5) obesity; 6) drinking and driving; 7) high blood pressure; 8) alcohol abuse; 9) motor vehicle speeding; 10) exposure to second hand tobacco smoke.
Most identified health-related services that are difficult to receive include 1) specialized medical care; 2) alcohol/drug counseling and treatment; 3) mental health counseling and treatment; 4) health insurance; 5) stop smoking programs; 6) weight loss support program; 7) dental care; 8) eyeglasses; 9) safe neighborhoods; 10) bicycle helmets.
Of those who completed the survey, 76.9 percent said they "strongly agree" or "agree" that they want public places, like restaurants, in the county to be "smoke free". In the case of a manmade or natural threat to the county, 69.4 percent said they and their family have not developed a plan of response.
Answers to the question, "What things keep your community from improving its health?" were 1) lack of funding; 2) no specialized medical practice, such as pediatricians and 3) lack of awareness of indigent program available.
When asked how they expected the health needs of the community to change in the next three years, one respondent said, "I expect that we will have an increased number of chronic diseases and morbidity due to the lack of access to healthcare because of a shortage of providers and availability of healthcare to people without insurance or assistance."
Some of the statistics provided in the assessment include the estimate that Freestone county population will increase 20.9 percent from 2000 to 2040, and that the county increased 9.4 percent from 2000 to 2007.
Some 42 percent of the students in Freestone county are economically disadvanted, and 8.3 percent of the deaths here in 2004 were due to accidents.
Another point made was that Freestone county residents have twice the rate of preventable hospitalizations due to pneumonia than all Texans.
DSHS also notes that, according to Texas A&M University, it is estimated that from 2003 to present, the Do Well Be Well with Diabetes program, led by county extension agent Wendi Green in Freestone county, has generated health care savings of some $3,379,224.
The assessment makes several recommendations recommends, including the county develop a prioritized and realistic plan of action that outlines steps to take in addressing key issues identified in the report.
Monday night's meeting featured a presentation of the executive summary and a question and answer period. Extension agent Wendi Green led the community presentation, which featured guest speakers and panel members Mike Gilliam, program specialist, business and program improvement with DSHS in Austin, JoLeen Eiklenborg, with region 7 DSHS, deputy regional director John Burleson, Dr. Paul McGaha, DSHS regional public health doctor, Kit Prasil, RN, DSHS region 7 public health nurse in Freestone county, Marjorie Douglas with DSHS region 7, and public health specialist Terri Kemp, also with DSHS region 7.
For a copy of the assessment, or more information, contact the county extension agents' office, or go to www.dshs.state.tx.us/freestone.