Health Assessment Unveils Key Challenges in Michigan’s Capital Area
February 26, 2025
Capital Area, MI – A new report has brought to light the pressing health issues facing Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. The 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), crafted by Healthy! Capital Counties (H!CC), draws attention to the main health concerns and priorities within the region. This report serves as a pivotal resource for fostering collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing community well-being.
The CHNA is a collaborative product of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Mid-Michigan Health Department, and Ingham County Health Department, in conjunction with local hospital systems. Conducted triennially, the assessment paints a comprehensive picture of community health by integrating quantitative and qualitative data sources such as vital records, health surveys, and community focus groups. The CHNA delves into not only health metrics like chronic disease rates and mortality but also social determinants of health such as access to affordable housing, education, and economic stability. This detailed evaluation provides a snapshot of the tri-county area’s health landscape and outlines priorities to uplift community wellness.
Following extensive community feedback and data scrutiny, the 2024 CHNA highlights access to health care, behavioral health, and housing as the region’s top health priorities. Addressing these areas is crucial for enhancing the overall health and quality of life, marking them as focal points for future public health actions.
“A community’s health is shaped by more than just medical care,” remarked Colette Scrimger, Health Officer at Barry-Eaton District Health Department. “By gathering input directly from residents and using data-driven insights, we can work together to develop strategies that address health inequities and improve the quality of life for everyone in our region.”
This assessment process aids in shaping public health initiatives, guiding policy-making, and supporting local organizations in their quest to cultivate a healthier community. Residents have been integral to this effort, contributing their experiences and viewpoints through surveys and discussions, and will continue to play a vital role in future assessments.
For further details on the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment or to participate in future initiatives, visit: www.healthycapitalcounties.org.
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