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County of Orange
Public Health Services |
Michael Schumacher, Ph.D. Juliette A. Poulson, RN,
MN Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH Mailing Address: |
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| Press Release For Immediate Release August 7, 2000 |
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(Santa Ana) A report issued today by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services favorably compares Orange County to other large counties on many significant measures of community health. The Community Health Status Report, available at www.communityhealth.hrsa.gov, is a first-ever attempt to produce a comparative report for each county in the United States. Orange County compares favorably in most areas, including life expectancy, several birth risk factors, infant mortality, and deaths due to causes including cancer and automobile accidents. However, the report also shows areas in which improvement is needed, including early prenatal care and deaths due to coronary heart disease. The report provides a reference point to chart progress toward improved community health, according to County Health Officer Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH. "While we compare favorably to our peer counties nationwide, the report also provides important information regarding targets that should be established related to the Healthy People 2010 Program," said Dr. Horton. "Combined with information from the Orange County Health Needs Assessment, this report confirms that health insurance coverage is not available to all residents, meaning they do not have easy access to primary or preventive health care services. It is essential the Health Care Agency continue to support efforts that will ensure each child in Orange County has a ‘health care home’, to educate the public about the benefits of exercise and healthy diets, and to inform county residents about the risks of tobacco and alcohol use," added Dr. Horton. The report stresses that up to half of all premature deaths can be prevented by making positive changes in lifestyle and personal behaviors. # # #
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