Important Health Issues of Our Day in the District

By Ron Stewart

Important Health Issues of Our Day in the District that require the attention and action of the District's Board.

Because 47%* (85th to 94th percentile of BMI) of our kids are considered overweight and 31%* of them considered obese!

Why am I concerned about immunization rates in our Valley?

Because 67%* of parents are somewhat concerned, concerned or very concerned about risks associated with childhood vaccinations. And, because 20%* of parents who want to get their children vaccinated state they need help using immunization services in the community. Only 30% of adults have ever received a pneumonia vaccine.

Why am I concerned about the shortage of culturally competent healthcare professionals in our Valley?

With health care reform the Department of Health and Human Services has suggested another 17,000 primary care docs will be needed to get us to a 1:2000 doc to patient ratio. We must seriously consider implementing key strategies for improving the healthcare infrastructure as recommended by the Coachella Valley Healthcare Initiative (fall 2010).

Why am I concerned about access to affordable prescription medication in our Valley?

Because 10%* of persons with health insurance do not have prescription coverage as part of their insurance - an estimated 36,000 (16%) valley residents have no health insurance at all let alone prescription coverage.

Why am I interested in better health outcomes for older adults in our Valley?

Because we are doing something right! The highest percentage of adults reporting that their health is "excellent" is from among people aged 65 to 74*!

• 2010 Community Health Monitor, Health Assessment Resource Center, Palm Desert, CA + 182,000 pop. projection