LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – What is it that makes us healthy?
Is it the food we eat? Maybe, it’s the medications we take. Health experts say the short answer is, yes, but the public needs to know that it’s much more than that.
“Through public health, we try to take all of this large amount of information and condense it into a report that’s easy for people to read and follow along,” said Emily Smale, public information officer for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department.
The end result is the Community Health Needs Assessment, a document released annually by Healthy Capital Counties, of which the Barry-Eaton Health Department is a member.
Smale said the assessment’s purpose is to compile a collection of surveys, group studies, and health data to identify the most critical health needs for people living in the capital region.
“Something we wanted to incorporate this cycle is the concept of social determinates of health,” Smale said. “And so, this concept looks at some of these underlying things that influence health because it’s so complicated and there are so many things that influence how healthy you are and how healthy you can be.”
Like housing for example. It’s one of the top three health needs highlighted in this year’s assessment.
According to the report, the population in the tri-county region, including Eaton, Ingham and Clinton counties, is expected to grow over the next decade, creating the demand for anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 new homes.
Lansing resident William Lawrence knows all too well the ways that housing can impact health.
“My mental health was affected,” he told News 10. “Wondering where I’m going to be next. Wondering if I’m going to be able to afford it.”
Now, Lawrence fights for safe and stable housing for others with an organization called The Rent Is Too Damn High. He said tools like the Community Health Needs Assessment can help groups like his make real change.
“Now it’s up to the people who are the policymakers, especially in cities of Lansing, East Lansing and other major townships to do the right thing and protect tenants,” he said.
Along with housing, Smale said both behavioral health and access to health care are needs that must be addressed in the region.
The report reveals that there are currently too few behavioral health providers for the large population living in the tri-counties. Additionally, cost and transportation continue to act as a barrier between people and their access to health care.
Smale said the Barry-Eaton District Health Department and other organizations involved in Healthy Capital Counties are hoping the Community Health Needs Assessment falls into hands that have the power to address the issues it brings to light.
She said health departments will also be making their own changes and adjustments to resources to play their part in addressing the needs of their communities.
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