Health
In 2014 Midland County conducted a Community Health Survey. For results and analysis, see the Community Health Survey Link (above). Health factors and outcomes emphasized across the U.S. are access to care services, quality of health-care services, healthy behaviors, physical environment, social environment, chronic disease, mental health, injury, maternal and infant health, tobacco use, substance abuse, and responsible sexual behavior. For additional information about Midland County, see the 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment: Building Healthy Communities for Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella & Midland Counties. For this report card, the focus is on 10 key indicators that impact physical, psychological, and emotional health and access to health for Midland County residents. Key findings include:
The Midland Department of Public Health has created a list of Environmental Community Needs and Concerns.
Teen pregnancy and birth rates remain a priority concern for Midland County, data on teen pregnancy can be found under Teen Pregnancy in the Intellectual and Social Development section.
- Overall health of the population in Midland County is above state averages in both MiHIA (top 20) and County Health Factors (Top 10) ratings. Areas to explore and improve are physical environment and quality of care where Midland ranks in the the 30s (out of 83 counties).
- Information and access impact the data on certain health trends. For example, Malignant Neoplasms for women is much higher--and recent research has shown that highly educated women tended to have higher rates of certain health reporting due to more information and access.
- Immunization rates in Midland County are equal to state rates but lower than other counties in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Reasons include: federal programs in Saginaw County that increased immunizations by 10%; education and choice of parents (research shows that income levels impact parental choice on immunizations).
- Midland, Livingston, St. Clair, and Macomb Counties are the only areas that had over 40% of admissions related to heroin and opiates since 2010. However, opiate use in Midland is decreasing (it is still twice the state average). However, heroin use in Midland has remained the same, while there is an increase across the state.
- Actual need for substance abuse and addiction services cannot be accurately reflected in data as many individuals do not seek treatment due to lack of insurance, financial resources, and the stigmas related to seeking treatment.
- Although alcohol usage has gone down in Michigan, it has increased in Midland County. High alcohol use rates are linked with injuries and deaths from traffic crashes, falls, fires, and drowning.
- Increase compliance checks of alcohol sales and service in collaboration with local law enforcement and the Midland County community to reduce alcohol abuse.
- Provide access to transportation for drivers who are too drunk to drive.
- Persons reporting poor mental health in Midland County has decreased to now be significantly below the state average.
- Increase education of parents, caregivers, and other adults through community efforts. Research from the CDC has shown that these adults can have a profound (positive and negative) impact on youth substance abuse and prevention.
- Food deserts outside of the City of Midland exist and have an impact on health that include risk factors for obesity and diabetes in children and adults. Food deserts are areas without access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Instead of grocery stores, these communities may have no food access or are served only by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer few healthy, affordable food options.
- According to the 2011 Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors Midland County Adolescent Developmental Assets Study conducted by the Legacy Center for Community Success, evidence showed that with increased assets, a significant reduction in Substance Abusive Risk-Taking Behaviors occurred between 2006 and 2011 in Midland, Michigan. The Study however pointed to several concerns including the Increases/lack of improvement in several Risk-Taking Behaviors such as the use of smokeless tobacco, frequent use of other illicit drugs and Sexual intercourse among teens.
- Midland County schools and service providers should coordinate together to increase access to healthy food choices and health screenings of children and families through school-based programs that will maximize access to the wide array of services that are available. For example, DHS workers, food banks, and similar services occurring periodically at school sites will increase usage and access for clients
The Midland Department of Public Health has created a list of Environmental Community Needs and Concerns.
Teen pregnancy and birth rates remain a priority concern for Midland County, data on teen pregnancy can be found under Teen Pregnancy in the Intellectual and Social Development section.
This section contains ten key indicators that underline the physical, psychological and emotional health of citizens in Midland County.
Click on each section to access the information.
Infant Mortality
Childhood Immunizations
Substance Abuse
Health Care Access and Coverage
Life Expectancy
Health Inequity
Health-Related Quality of Life
Mental Health
Disabilities
Recreation & Obesity
Click on each section to access the information.
Infant Mortality
Childhood Immunizations
Substance Abuse
Health Care Access and Coverage
Life Expectancy
Health Inequity
Health-Related Quality of Life
Mental Health
Disabilities
Recreation & Obesity
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