Community health reports issued

SANDUSKY — Want to know how healthy people are in Erie County? There's a new report. In fact, there are two reports: the 2024 Community Health Assessment and the 2024 Youth Health Assessment. They were recently issued by the Erie County Health Department. But they are actually a collaboration with Firelands Health and the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board of Erie County. Copies of both reports are available at the Erie County Health Department's website, eriecohealthohio.com. The health department will use the plan as it develops a new community health improvement plan, which is expected to be completed sometime by mid-2025. "Understanding the health priorities of our community is essential for developing effective programs and initiatives to serve residents," Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said. "The 2024 community health assessments will serve as a road map to guide our efforts in collaboration with our partners to improve the overall health and well-being of Erie County residents." By the numbers — adults Here are some of the highlights of the report on Erie County adults. The survey got responses from 452 county adults. From this amount: • 47% report not getting a prescription because of cost — and more than three-quarters of adults of the appropriate ages have had blood pressure, cholesterol and skin cancer screenings. • 65% have a primary care physician — and 47% report they couldn't see a doctor for a health reason because of the cost of co-pay/deductible, and 28% said it took too long to get an appointment. • 11% report attempting suicide — and 52% report knowing a suicide victim, 56% report depression diagnosis, and 53% report anxiety diagnosis • 46% report they or a family member have used recreational marijuana — and 11% report smoking daily, 20% report using "self-help" to cope with alcohol/drug use, 35% report going to counseling, 62% drink alcohol at least daily, and 10% report drug use whether it's themself or a family member • 70% have visited a dentist in the past year — and 45% report exercising at least two times per week, 40% eat fresh fruits/veggies at least three times per week, and 73% say the cost of fruits/veggies is a barrier to obtaining them • 44% report being "somewhat overweight" — and 11% report being obese, 38% report average weight, one-third have sought help for health care or food in the past year, and 23% sought help with dental care or mental health care • 40% are diabetic — and 52% have arthritis, and 56% have high blood pressure. By the numbers — youth Here are highlights from the 828 young people surveyed in grades six through 12: • 21% reported being in a physical fight during the previous year, a 3% decrease since 2021 • 9% report carrying a weapon during the previous year, a 1% decrease since 2021 • 25% reported emotional bullying, 5% physical bullying and 8% cyberbullying; Of those who reported being bullied, about 32% said they were bullied at school, and 16% said they were bullied at home. • 36% report struggling with sadness/depression/anxiety, 19% "seriously considered" suicide, and 6% "attempted" suicide during the previous year • 14% have tried tobacco/products — and 7% did so before age 13, 76% believe tobacco is harmful to people, 34% have tried alcohol, and 9% are "binge drinkers," meaning girls drank more than four drinks in one sitting, and boys drank more than five in one sitting. • 11% have tried drugs — and 2% abused prescription drugs, while 3% have used hallucinogens. • 20% have been/are sexually active — and 5% have had four or more partners. • 27% describe themselves as at least slightly overweight, — and 57% have at least two servings of fruit per day, 19% have three or more servings of vegetables per day