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Logan County Department of Public
Health sets sight on creating a healthier population
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 [March 28, 2019]
During the March Logan County Board's Regular session, Logan County
Department of Public Health Administrator Don Cavi briefed the board
on health data in Logan County and how the health department will
use that information for its goal setting.
Cavi said the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has come out with their
annual health numbers and he shared some of the numbers.
Logan County is rated 66 out of 102 counties based on health
outcomes, which are determined by the length of life and quality of
life.
Cavi said what caught him most notably was premature deaths, before
age 75. The county rate is 8,100 people versus the average of 6,600
at the state level.
One focus for upcoming years will be on preventing chronic health
issues through exercise, nutrition, and tobacco prevention.
Logan County ranked 46 out of 102 counties in other factors like
health behaviors. Cavi said the county is slightly higher in terms
of obesity, and the county ranks lower than some for access to
healthy foods.
More access to exercise opportunities are needed, though Cavi said
the ALMH Foundation has been steering several trail projects. Two
years ago the Wellness Trail opened on the ALMH campus. Late last
year brought equipment and training in its use was brought old ALMH
site for a 24-hour access outdoor fitness park, Fit Court, which
offers apps to follow along
Alcohol impaired driving deaths, drug overdose deaths, injuries
leading to death, and teen births are slightly higher than the state
average.
On the positive side, Cavi said the county has fewer violent crimes.
As far as access to medical care, Cavi said the county ranked low
with a ratio of 2,950- to-1 for primary care physicians, with the
state average 1,230-to-1.
An area of concern in not mentioned in the RWJF data, is that Logan
County has experienced fairly high rates of lung and colon cancer.
Cavi said colonoscopies are recommended for people between 50 and
75, but many do not like to get them. The next best thing to having
a colonoscopy is to take a 'FIT' test. This is a simple non-invasive
take home screening method.
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Cavi said this month is colorectal awareness month and the health
department is giving out free FIT tests. They had given out 30 tests
already.
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a screening test for colon
cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an
early sign of cancer. FIT only detects human blood from the lower
intestines. - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
Cavi said the median household income in the county is about $57,000
versus the state average of $63,000.
Areas the county is doing better is having a lower rate than the
state level for STD and HIV infections, having fewer uninsured
people and having a higher percentage of people getting mammography
screenings.
Cavi said the health department is working with ALMH and other
agencies on a community health improvement plan and it will address
issues such as obesity, substance abuse, mental health and poverty.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital is on a three-year cycle and
completed their community needs assessment in 2018 for 2019
implementation.
[ALMH Community Health Needs Assessment
https://www.choose memorial.org/Community-Health-Needs-Assessment]
The Illinois Department of Public Health requires counties to do a
community assessment and plan every five years with the next plan
covering 2020 to 2025.
The health department will focus on mental health, substance abuse
and obesity the next several years.
[Angela Reiners]
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