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.
Ruppert: “… the wonderful
work done by our Health
Department staff
McGraw: “This will take years
of sustained effort …”
“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. “I think it is important to evaluate the needs of your particular community, the diversity in your community and to target the outreach to those who can benefit the most. For example, to decreasing smoking rates, to decrease obesity rates, and to improve health eating and access to care.”
Even with programs in place, Dr. Ruppert said it takes time to show signs of improvement.
Sullivan County was 61st in health outcomes and 58th in health factors.
Sullivan’s 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. “This will take years of sustained effort, collaboration, and investments.”
McGraw said the county and its partners in the community have been working to shape policies to promote better health outcomes.
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.
Columbia County was ranked 30th in health outcomes and 13th in health factors.
Greene County was ranked 53rd in health outcomes and 47th in health factors.
