Findings of County Health Assessment Reviewed by Health Committee

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Published on April 7 2021 3:06 pm
Last Updated on April 7 2021 5:02 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The findings of a recent health assessment of Effingham County was reviewed Tuesday by the Effingham County Board Health Committee.

The review found that cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death in Effingham County, and that suicides were up in the county during the period from 2014 to 2018.

Deena Mosberger of the County Health Department also reported that greater degrees of poverty were found among those 12 and younger, and in those ages 13 to 17. She also reported that 16% of births in the county during the survey period were to unwed mothers.

Mosberger shared that opioid use is up in the county, and that child abuse and sex trafficking are on the map.

Another concern is isolation and loneliness is on the increase for the elderly, and Mosberger reminds that renters who are delinquent on their bill can be evicted as of May 1, something that has not been possible since the pandemic began.

That uncertainty could lead to an increase in anxiety for those who can't pay their rent.

A Community Health Assessment is conducted periodically. Using the findings, a group overseen by HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital then meets to plot strategies to address the problems identified.