HEALTH INDICATOR

GRADE

COMMENT

FAMILY PLANNING, MATERNAL/INFANT HEALTH

B

Over the past 3 years, 95 to 100% of women received early prenatal care.  On average, approximately 15% of women who become pregnant are between the ages of 15-19.  There are no Ob/gyn services available within the county.  Hospital deliveries are on average a 70-mile trip; or 1+ hour in good weather.  Several infants born each year are considered pre-mature and/or of low birth rate.

CHILD HEALTH

B+

Excellent cooperation between the Public Health Nurses, School Nurses/Districts and Community Health Centers provides for overall identification of potential problems.  Public health follows many children from birth through school years.  There are no full-time pediatricians in the county.  Most specialty pediatric services are provided outside of the county.  The introduction of Child Health Plus has improved the number of children with a primary care physician.

DENTAL HEALTH

C

The number of children who have experienced dental caries is well above national averages.  There are no dentists practicing within the county.  Medicaid providers throughout the region are limited. Mobile Dental van is scheduled as available during the summer months.  Dental and Oral Health Education efforts continue through the WIC program and in conjunction with area school districts

LEAD POISONING PREVENTION

B+

The incidence of children within the county with elevated lead levels is very low.  It appears that primary care physicians are conducting screens and testing as necessary.   Lead poisoning education is available throughout the county.

NUTRITION

B

The number of children of low SES reported to be obese is 10% higher than the region.  Many persons surveyed indicate they are overweight.  Nutrition education will be a major focus area for upcoming years for the Local Health Agency and Opportunity for Action for the Public Health System as a whole.

INJURY PREVENTION

B+

Overall, self-inflicted injuries are very few.  Alcohol related motor vehicle injuries account for the most injuries.  Education programs related to safety continue throughout the county.

SEXUAL DISEASES

B+

Chlamydia is the most investigated sexually transmitted disease however there is a low incidence as compared to the region.

TUBERCULOSIS

A

There have been no active cases of tuberculosis in several years.  TB testing continues throughout the Public Health System.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

B

There has been no significant increase in any communicable disease reports within the county in recent years.  There have been confirmed cases Lyme Disease within the past 2 years.

IMMUNIZATION

B+

Most children within the county are fully immunized by the age of 2 years.  Flu vaccine was distributed to high risk individuals throughout the county in 2004.

CHRONIC DISEASES

B

The causes of chronic diseases will be a focus for upcoming years. Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent chronic disease in the county, followed by cancer.  Residents appear to be aware of early detection screenings and have regular examinations for most chronic diseases.

HIV/AIDS

B

The incidence of HIV/Aids in the county is very low; of concern is the low rate of HIV testing and counseling.

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES

C

While access to primary care services is relatively good throughout the county, access to specialty care services is poor throughout the region.

OVERALL HEALTH

B

In consideration of the resources available and the increasing population over the age of 65 in the county, Hamilton County is generally a Healthy Place to Live and Work.

PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM EFFORT

B

Again, considering the limited resources available and the strong reliance on volunteers and families to meet the needs of the community, the effort is overall very good on the part of all involved as a member of the Public Health System.