Community Health Status Profiled in New Data Book

 

A landmark study of community health in the Western U.P. was published in January 2001, and is available on-line. Western Upper Peninsula Community Profile 2000, published by the Western Upper Peninsula District Health Department, is packed with data and analysis concerning the economic, physical, educational and social health of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties, Michigan.
   The profile contains hundreds of health status indicators for the individual counties, region and state. It is intended as a resource to planners in the fields of health, education, public safety and other human-services fields.
   “When we talk about the health of communities, we’re not just talking about doctors and hospitals, or even immunizations,” said the Health Department’s Medical Director Dr. Gail Shebuski.
   “We’re also talking about how our economy and social structure shape community health. When you think of healthy child development, for instance, you think about immunizations, check-ups and proper nutrition, but you also need to consider their schools, their safety and whether their parents have jobs.”
   Ray Sharp, the Health Department’s Community Health Assessment Specialist, produced the 53-page report. For information on the profile or on community health assessment and improvement in the Western Upper Peninsula, contact Ray Sharp by phone at (906) 482-7382 extension 163, or you may e-mail him at assessment@wupdhd.org .