Vancouver, WA — Research suggests today’s children may not live as long as their parents because of preventable chronic health conditions.

“Preventable health conditions have a huge impact on the county,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “That’s why our department increasingly focuses on prevention as we work with our health partners on initiatives that have the greatest community impact.”

As National Public Health Week, April 4–10, explores the theme of Healthiest Nation 2030, Clark County Public Health continues to evaluate the state of health locally and how best to address health priorities.

Public Health’s 2015 Community Health Assessment identifies three community priorities: chronic disease prevention related to physical activity and healthy eating; access to health care; and behavioral health, including mental health and substance abuse.

Developed in conjunction with a regional effort, the report uses data from sources such as birth and death records, health surveys and community stakeholder input. The report is available at http://tinyurl.com/htonvyg.

Key findings include:

• Nutrition, physical activity and breastfeeding are key health behaviors that address chronic diseases.
• Opioid misuse contributes to two-thirds of drug-related deaths.
• Access to health care is especially important for underserved groups.

Additional findings include:

• Smoking rates have declined, but still contribute to excess rates of illness and death. In 2014, the smoking rate was 10 percent for 10th graders and 17 percent for adults. 
• In 2014, 19 percent of 10th graders had used marijuana and 21 percent had used  e-cigarettes in the past month.
• In 2014, 22 percent of adults were diagnosed with depression. Among youth, 34 percent of 10th graders experienced temporary sadness or hopelessness and 10 percent attempted suicide in the past year.

Using these findings, Public Health will work with local partners and stakeholders on a Community Health Improvement planning process to further identity health issues and improvement strategies.

Examples of ongoing Public Health initiatives include:

• Working with the ACEs Action Alliance to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the chronic diseases and behavioral health issues they cause.
• Helping first-time, low-income mothers be successful parents and improve life skills through the Nurse Family Partnership.
• Improving access to healthful food, including working with local schools on Farm-to-School programs and food system education.
• Collaborating with churches to help meet the needs of children and families in central Vancouver.
• With the Healthy Living Collaborative, working with community health workers to link residents to community and clinical resources.
• Collaborating with community partners to make physical activity safe and convenient in the Fourth Plain corridor.
• Tobacco, e-cigarettes, and marijuana:
  • Working with landlords to implement smoke-free housing policies.
  • Conducting retail compliance checks for tobacco sales to minors.
  • Monitoring hookah bars, smoking lounges and marijuana retail for compliance with smoking and marijuana laws.
  • Working to prevent use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and marijuana.
• Working to prevent opiate-related deaths and hospitalizations.
• Reviewing school plans to ensure buildings promote healthy learning environments.
• Updating and testing emergency preparedness plans to promote effective community response and resilience.
• Working with a taskforce to reduce incidences of viral gastroenteritis, influenza and other infections in hospitals and skilled/assisted nursing facilities.

Despite challenges, health in Clark County is supported by strong community partnerships, including health system partners and good neighborhood association networks. Other strengths include continued food safety and groundwater protection and robust disease investigation and prevention capabilities. The county also has low rates of premature births, teen pregnancy, infant mortality and homicides.

CONTACT
Dr. Alan Melnick
Health Officer/Public Health director
Public Health
(360) 397-8412
alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov