Winnebago County Health
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) — Winnebago County Public Health has announced the publication of the 2023 Winnebago County Community Health Assessment (CHA).
The CHA provides an overview of the community’s health, and identifies gaps and opportunities to improve the health and well-being of Winnebago County residents.
All local health departments are required to complete a CHA every five years.
“To improve health outcomes, we have to look beyond health care and individual behaviors, and we do this with the CHA,” said Doug Gieryn, director/health officer, Winnebago County Public Health. “The CHA identifies local community conditions, the vital conditions that have the greatest impact on health, and we use this information to help with prioritizing resources and engaging the community to work together to build those community conditions where everyone has the opportunity to reach their optimal health and well-being.”
Winnebago County Public Health developed the CHA in partnership with a Community Health Assessment Advisory Team composed of residents from various sectors, geographies and diverse experiences. The team analyzed data and community feedback, led focus groups, and provided insight and guidance for the report.
“The Community Health Assessment is one of the greatest tools we have to measure how the work we do impacts our community,” said Katie Jaegly, Health and Well-Being Educator, UW-Madison Extension Winnebago County. “Extension is committed to developing programs and services that address the specific needs and challenges identified within our community.”
The CHA examines how community conditions and factors impact health such as wealth, education, housing, transportation, social connections, and access to health care. The report highlights local assets such as friendly and safe communities, libraries, parks, services, and abundant natural resources. It also identifies challenges that many families in Winnebago County face, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Data and information provided in the Community Health Assessment highlight how social and economic conditions shape our community,” said Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel. “We all need to work together to make our community a better place to live, work and visit.”
The community is encouraged to review the 2023 Winnebago County CHA to gain a deeper understanding about the importance of the community conditions on health. Additionally, the community can provide thoughts and feedback.
The CHA will be used by Winnebago County Public Health as they work with community partners and residents to create a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The CHIP will outline strategies that various sectors in the community can implement to improve the health of our communities and the residents and visitors of Winnebago County.
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