By Becky Long
Publisher
Chronic diseases and an aging population are among the top issues affecting Clay County residents, according to a 2021 Community Health Assessment Snapshot released this month.
The study was conducted to gain information about the health status of the county’s population and identify health needs, but also to help determine strategies for improvement. The assessment was presented to county commissioners March 2 by Health Department Director Clarissa Rogers.
Information for the report came from various agencies which collected data on health indicators such as services and education which was used to identify patterns and trends.
Among the findings:
• Clay County has a greater proportion of older adults dealing with higher rates of chronic health conditions and access to healthcare remains a challenge for residents, even with the expansion of tele-health.
• The leading cause of death in Clay County was heart, cancer and lung diseases from 2015-19. With the high rates of death from chronic disease and acute respiratory infections, Clay County has an overall life expectancy of 76.5 years of age. The study noted, “This is much younger than the western Carolina region and state levels.”
• The assessment also noted that medical costs are rising along with the cost of living. In 2021, 22 percent of our county’s residents from 18 to 64 years old did not have health insurance. Clay County ranked second highest in the state for residents lacking insurance, which health officials say can decrease the chances of someone seeking or maintaining care and lead to premature death, according to the report.
Another contributor to health issues in the county may be income levels. Clay County was among the rural counties with below average incomes. For example:
• Clay has an average income level of $42,160 — less than the state average by $14,482; about $3,500 less than in the region.
• 52.3 percent of the county is considered 300 percent below the federal poverty level. Fifty-three percent of all students are eligible for free or reduced lunches, according to the Child Nutrition Divisions.
• County residents receiving food and nutrition services or EBT in 2022 numbered 1,892 which reflects an increase of 122 from 2021.
“Reviewing the statistical information involving chronic disease and cancer, it was determined that the Clay County Health Department needed to get involved and figure out how to improve the lives of those affected by these diseases,” according to the report from the health department.
In addition to chronic diseases, the health department has been faced with the challenges of COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia, leaving them to focus attention on three priorities:
Chronic disease prevention and control
“We decided to choose this priority because we know how important it is to limit the burden that chronic illness has not only on the individuals, but the community as a whole,” according to the report.
Regarding chronic disease, according to Centers for Disease Control, over half of the deaths caused by chronic disease may be due to preventable causes. These include behaviors like tobacco use, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol use. In addition Clay County has a high population of individuals who are considered overweight or obese.
The report also noted that Clay County is does not have providers who specialize in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Among the health department’s goals are providing the community with health tips posted on line; provide an in-house service to all county employees to become healthier; provide the community with blood pressure monitors, pulse oximetry monitors, glucose machines and incentive spirometers through their clinic.
Prevention and management of
acute respiratory infections
According to the report, acute respiratory infections involve a contagious infection that starts in the upper respiratory track and can move to the lower respiratory system. Influenza and pneumonia are two types that can be detrimental to one’s health is care if not sought in time. It was noted that over the past two years, COVID-19 has caused more deaths than the flu or pneumonia combined in the past four years. In Clay County 38.3 percent are fully vaccinated with only 20.8 percent having “been boosted.”
Vaccination hesitancy and the delay in treatment poses risks for more serious illness like pneumonia. However, the health department offers vaccinations along with aarea pharmacies and primary care physicians. Testing for flu and COVID is available as well. The report determined that promotion of good hygiene, vaccinations and early interventions are key when it comes to respiratory infections.
Prevention and
screening of cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Clay County. The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate. About one third of deaths are due to tobacco use, obesity, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake and lack
of physical activity, among other causes.
What is helping? The heath department offers a program to help identify breast and cervical cancer which provides funding for testing. A smoking cessation program is also offered. Prevention methods include education and vaccination against HPV and hepatitis along with promoting physical exams such as pap smears, prostate, breast and colorectal examinations.
The report noted that screening and early detection are key when dealing with cancer.
To learn more about the 2021 Community Health Assessment Snapshot, visit: www.clayhdnc.us/community-health-assessment or for more program information, call the health department at (828) 389-8052.