NET Health Encouraged by Health Report
Posted/updated on: March 21, 2013 at 1:08 pm
TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) and Smith County received some encouraging news about residents’ health in a national report Wednesday, though it also shows that much more needs to be done in some vital areas. That’s according to NET Health CEO George Roberts. In a news release, Roberts says, “The release of the County Health Rankings Report, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin, shows us what may be keeping people from being healthy and living their best life and doing things they enjoy like spending time with family and friends.”
In the study, Smith County ranked 83 out of 232 counties for Health Outcomes – Today’s Health, and a rank of 50 out of 232 in Health Factors – Tomorrow’s Health. The County Health Rankings allow counties to see how they compare on a range of factors that influence health including high school graduation rates, obesity, smoking, and family and social support. “Change begins by bringing people from all walks of life together – from education, transportation, public health, business, and other sectors – so we can develop and implement strategies that improve health,” says Roberts.
According to Roberts, “The County Health Rankings continue to reinforce that where we live matters to our health; Lighten Up East Texas, 5210 Goes to School, and the East Texas Food Coalition are examples of how our community is taking action to improve health. While we have taken important steps to improve the health of our community, there is more we can do to help our residents lead healthier lives.
“NET Health encourages residents, community leaders and officials to respond positively to the report by carrying out their individual roles to help everyone live healthier, longer and more satisfying lives, as the data suggest. Where we live, learn, work, and play influences how healthy we are and how long we live.” You can visit http://www.countyhealthrankings.org or http://www.healthyeasttx.org for more information.
