Henry County is the sixth healthiest county in Illinois, according to a recent study ranking the health outcomes of nearly all the counties in Illinois.
“It's unusual to see a rural community with such high health outcomes,” stated Gail Ripka, Health Department administrator. “Most of the other high ranking counties are the affluent suburbs of Chicago."
The online report, available at www.countyhealthrankings.org includes a snapshot of each county in Illinois ranking health outcomes and health factors.
Health outcomes are measured by mortality (length of life) and morbidity (quality of life). Health factors, in which Henry County ranks 15, include measures of health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.
"As anyone can see, health encompasses far more than the absence of disease,” states Ripka. “Many factors contribute to making Henry County a healthy place to live."
Good health outcomes can be attributed to a strong public health system which includes the Health Department, local hospitals, physicians, police and fire departments, schools, as well as a number of other organizations."
The department hopes to use this report, as well as other health measures, to stimulate local interest, discussion, and support.
"There is always room for improvement, but it feels good to be starting near the front of the race," concluded Ripka.
For more information, contact Ripka at 309-852-7238 or gripka@henrystarkhealth. org.
