National Public Health Week is April 2-8

Report shows how Rice County ranks in multiple factors that affect health
Rankings by University of Wisconsin and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation released during National Public Health Week, April 2-8

Rice County ranked 32nd in Health Outcomes
• The health outcomes rating is determined by the rate of premature deaths (before the age of 75), how people rate their quality of life, and the rate of low-birth weight infants in the county. 

Rice County ranked 17th in Health Factors 
• The health factor rating is determined by health related behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. 

County Health Rankings, which launched nationwide in 2010, uses a standard formula to measure the health of more than 3,000 counties in the United States. The rankings are designed to compare the health of counties within each state.

Both, mortality (ranked 14) and health behaviors (ranked 2) were areas of strength for Rice County. Mortality measurements focused on premature death and years of potential life lost before age 75. Health behaviors measurements focused on areas of adult smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, diet and exercise, excessive drinking, motor vehicle crash death rates, sexually transmitted infections, and teen birth rate.

Minnesota's local public health organizations already use a variety of methods to assess and measure the health of local communities. The goal of the County Health Rankings is to spur discussion and action across all sectors of communities - including government, business, community and faith-based groups, education and public health – to improve the health of Minnesotans.

Rice County Public Health has been the recipient of a SHIP grant since 2009. This grant promotes and develops systemic changes within the community. Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), as part of Minnesota 2008 health reform law, is designed to reduce tobacco use and obesity among Minnesotans. For more information go to http://healthyricecounty.org

Through SHIP and other initiatives, Rice County Public Health will continue to look for new and creative strategies to build partnerships to help improve the health and wellness of our community.

The detailed County Health Rankings can be found at: http://www.countyhealthrankings.org

CONTACTS:
Deb Purfeerst, Community Health Services Director (507) 332-5914
Gary Weiers, County Administrator, (507) 332-6121