For Immediate Release - Ottawa County's top 3 health priorities; access to health care, mental health & healthy behaviors

As a result of the Ottawa County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA),
a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) was initiated by the partners of the
CHNA and community members. 

Input from individuals, who represent the interests of the community (e.g., health and human service representatives, health care professionals and community members), worked together to develop a plan to address the top three health issues in Ottawa County. The CHNA research indicates the most prevalent health issues are:

• access to health care 
• mental health 
• healthy behaviors

Most people, or someone they know, may experience challenges with access to health care, mental health or healthy behaviors. The CHNA provides information on the county’s health strengths and opportunities for improvement.     The CHIP was developed first to prioritize the greatest health needs in Ottawa County. Second, it identifies what changes are desired and the means by which members of the community will have the greatest influence.

Access to Health Care  Increase access to a patient centered  and community integrated system of care.   4 in 10 low income households are not confident navigating the health care system

Mental Health  Increase recognition and treatment  of mental health conditions.   1 in 4 adults, 18-24 years of age, experience mild to severe psychological distress

Healthy Behaviors Promote consistent healthy behavior messages  and decrease barriers to healthy living. 6 in 10 adults are overweight (35.3%) or obese (23.9%)

Creating a plan to improve people’s health can only be done with community
members engaging to help carry out the objectives to form a healthier county.  

• Review the supporting evidence (CHNA)
  
  
• Read the improvement plan (CHIP)
  
  
• Find where you can help
  
  
• Take action and call 
  Ottawa County Department of Public Health
  (616) 393-5775. www.miOttawa.org/miHealth  

The 2015 Ottawa County CHNA consisted of survey data from adult residents
(including under-served populations) and key informants; in addition to interviews
with key stakeholders. A steering committee provided guidance to VIP Research
and Evaluation when developing the CHNA. Members of the steering committee
include representatives from: 

• Community Mental Health of Ottawa County
• Greater Ottawa County United Way 
• Holland Hospital 
• North Ottawa Community Hospital 
• Ottawa County Department of Public Health 
• Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital 

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