Home
Issues
Community Health

Community Health

Update: Sep. 19, 2011 -

Binge Drinking and Obesity Increasing in Broward and Palm Beach Counties /via browardpalmbeach.com

Issue Overview

Is Palm Beach County is a healthy community? We see people riding bikes, swimming in the ocean, rollerblading and walking dogs all around us; we see numerous hospitals, health food stores, and clear, sunny skies with no smog. We are ranked 11^th most healthy of 67 Florida counties by countyhealthrankings.org. But when we look at national benchmarks and peer counties across the country, areas for improvement emerge.

Clinical Care: We have twice as many uninsured adults (...

...27%) than the U.S. national benchmark (13%).

Morbidity and Mortality: Compared to similar counties, Palm Beach County has more motor vehicle injuries and more suicides.

Health Behaviors: Our excessive drinking rate (16%) is twice the national benchmark, and our sexually transmitted infections rate is nearly three and a half times the benchmark.

Social and Economic Factors: Our high school graduation rate is much lower than the national benchmark, and our unemployment rate is much higher - these are factors that contribute to an individual's lifelong health.

Why does it matter to me?

An area's health climate affects individuals, families, and the whole community. Depending on where you live, you may be more likely to face certain problems, like inadequate health insurance or motor vehicle injuries. When an individual experiences a serious health issue, quite often their whole family is affected. And as previously noted, social and economic factors affect how healthy a community is on the whole: if high school graduation rates are high and unemployment rates are low, everyone is more likely to be healthy.

What can I do about it?

If you are having health problems, there are many local organizations who offer a wide variety of services. 211 of Palm Beach County is a great place to start: they assist with crisis intervention, information, assessment and referral to community services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If a family member is having health problems, there are organizations out there just for you. Legal Aid of Palm Beach County and Alzheimer's Community Care offer support to relative caregivers. Families First of Palm Beach County helps those who are caregivers for sick children.

If you are passionate about improving community health, sound off about it! To learn more about the big community health picture, visit the Florida Public Health Institute website. Get involved with an organization like the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County or the Glades Initiative. Whether through an organization or on your own, discuss, debate, volunteer, advocate, and spread awareness!