REGION FACES HEALTH OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Assessment Completed for Danville Regional Foundation

A 50-page assessment concludes that high interest exists in improving the health of the Dan River Region.

The assessment, prepared for the Danville Regional Foundation, is based on opinions of approximately 300 people, reflecting a diverse group and high interest in the health of the region. The report is available at the Danville Regional Foundation Web site [PDF].

“The purpose of the assessment is to help the Foundation and the community understand the opportunities and challenges facing our region,” said Karl Stauber, President and CEO of the Foundation.  “The Foundation believes the assessment should be a significant part of the discussion on how to improve the health of the region.”

Mortality statistics confirm the opinion of those interviewed that the health of the region is poorer than the health in surrounding areas. Those interviewed are aware of the long-term and pervasive nature of personal risks to health in obesity, tobacco use and the lack of utilization of primary healthcare services, including screenings.

Major findings of the study include:

• Deep concern for increased drug use;
• Perinatal services, chronic diseases among adults and promotion of collaboration among health providers and with community groups are target areas for intervention;
• Mortality rates are higher for African-Americans than for white people; the difference is greater than most national racial health disparities;
• Health is seen as an outcome of access to services, including health insurance coverage;
• Lifestyle changes are required of everyone, regardless of race, age or wealth;
• Services, particularly education and screening, should be more available throughout the region; and
• Personal apathy and under-utilization of services is a dangerous threat in the region.

The assessment was conducted by the Office of Rural and Community Health at East Tennessee State University for MDC, Inc., a consulting firm.  MDC also is managing assessments on workforce development and community and economic development, which will be made public soon.

“Each assessment is a unique picture, reflecting the values and judgments of the authors, based on what they learned about the region. The health assessment does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Foundation, but it is an important means of informing the community and beginning the discussion about health issues. The foundation will consider the study’s recommendations over the next several months."

Anyone with questions about the assessment should contact Stauber.

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The Danville Regional Foundation seeks to develop, promote and support activities that improve the health, education and wellbeing of the residents of the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, VA and Caswell County, NC. The Foundation has awarded approximately $25 million to 12 non-profit organizations or government agencies since its founding in 2005. For more information, visit www.danvilleregionalfoundation.org.