Copyright – MHNN.com
MID-HUDSON – Rockland County is ranked second in the state for
health outcomes, according to the just-released annual report by the Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health
Institute.
Only Saratoga County tops Rockland in health outcomes.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sullivan County ranked 61 – next
to lowest – in this year’s survey. Only the Bronx had a worst
rating for health outcomes.
Rockland ranked sixth for health factors.
“Rockland has ranked one of the top five counties in New York State
for overall health since 2011, a tribute to all the wonderful work done
by our Health Department staff, as well as to our successful partnerships
with community and faith organizations, health care providers, schools,
worksites, and municipalities,” said County Health Commissioner
Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “We still have much work to do; however,
this report shows that we are taking important steps towards achieving
our goal of keeping all Rockland County residents healthy and safe.”
Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw noted that there are
many factors that go into improving a community’s health ranking.
“The social determinants of health include equitable access to health
care for all, safe and affordable housing, employment and education, complete
streets, opportunities for physical exercise and access to nutritious
food, to name a few,” she said.
She said the county and its partners in the community have been working
to shape policies to promote better health outcomes. “This will
take years of sustained effort, collaboration, and investments,”
she said.
Westchester County was ranked fourth in the state for both health outcomes
and health factors.
Putnam County was ranked fifth for health outcomes and second for health
factors.
Ulster County was ranked 15th in health outcomes and 19th in health factors.
County Executive Michael Hein noted when he took office, the county was
ranked 33rd. “A dramatic leap from 33rd to 15th in such a short
period of time has only been possible because of extraordinary community-wide
efforts and an overarching commitment to public health that permeates
almost every decision we make,” he said. County Health Commissioner
Dr. Carol Smith said improving health in the community “is an ongoing
process and we will work harder than ever to make sure Ulster County continues
to improve.”
Dutchess County was ranked 17th in health outcomes and ninth in health
factors.
Orange County was ranked 23rd in health outcomes and 24th in health factors.
