Smith County Ranks 63rd, 40th in State in Two Health Categories
Posted/updated on: March 27, 2014 at 10:36 am
TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) and Smith County received some encouraging news about residents health in a national report Wednesday, though it also shows that much more needs to be done in some vital areas. That’s the word from NET Health Chief Executive Officer George Roberts. According to Roberts, the release of the fifth annual County Health Rankings, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI), shows us where we live matters to our health.
In this study, Smith County ranked 63 out of 232 counties for Health Outcomes Todays Health, and a rank of 40 out of 232 in Health Factors Tomorrows Health. Roberts says The rankings allow communities to see how people from their county compare to others on a range of factors from education to housing to transportation to community safety and offers ways to take action to promote lifelong health. Change begins by bringing people from all walks of life together from education, transportation, public health, business, and other sectors these rankings can help community leaders and citizens work together in new and creative ways to build a culture of health. says Roberts.
The rankings illustrate in a powerful way that where you live can influence how well and how long you live, according to Roberts. He remarks that the rankings show much of our health is connected to where we live, learn, work, and play. Fit Citys Lighten Up East Texas & 5210 Goes to School, the NET Health Center for Healthy Living, and chronic disease self-management programs are given as examples of how Smith County is taking action to improve health.
Roberts notes, “While we have taken important steps to improve the health of our community, there is more we can do to help our residents lead healthier lives. Because much of what affects our health happens beyond medical care, the rankings underscore how important it is to build a culture of health where getting healthy, staying healthy, and making sure our kids grow up healthy are top priorities.” You can visit http://www.countyhealthrankings.org or http://www.healthyeasttx.org for more information.
