KESHENA, WI – Housing and transportation are emerging as two of the leading concerns in social determinants following the latest Community Health Assessment for Shawano and Menominee counties.
Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Director Nick Mau said housing rose to the top as participants considered the social factors having the greatest impact on health in the two counties.
“If someone doesn’t have a safe place over their head to sleep at night, all those other things kind of go to the wayside,” Mau said. “So those basic needs” become a priority before other health concerns can be addressed.
Transportation also surfaced as a significant issue, particularly when it comes to accessing medical care in the area’s rural communities.
“We’re talking about health care access,” Mau said. “We’re in a rural community where people have to travel far to get to their doctor or dentist.”
The transportation challenges can create another barrier for residents who may already be dealing with other factors affecting their health.
The Community Health Assessment process takes place roughly every five years and is used to identify needs and help determine priorities for future public health efforts.
Mau said organizers are hoping to align the next assessment cycle with ThedaCare’s planning process, allowing the Health Department and its partners to take a more coordinated approach to addressing community health needs across Shawano and Menominee counties.
Below are some pictures of the social determinants data which were in the packets at yesterday’s community health assessment meeting.
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