Oneida County Releases New Community Health Assessment & Improvement PlanView

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today the release of Oneida County's new Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan which has identified reducing poverty, anxiety and stress, and improving prenatal care as leading areas of focus through 2030.

"The goal of our Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is to provide a thorough review of, and insight to, the significant health needs across Oneida County, particularly within our most vulnerable populations," Picente said. "It is a collaborative effort with the public and key community stakeholders that helps us identify public health gaps and barriers and lays the groundwork for executing solutions to improve the health of Oneida County."

The Oneida County Health Department, Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) and Rome Health conducted a comprehensive review that helps identify the county's current health status and key health needs in Oneida County and provide a framework to support health and wellness in the county.

The current assessment - which is available here - is conducted within the parameters of the New York State Department of Health's Prevention Agenda which is now a six-year initiative. The 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda outlines 24 key priorities to address health conditions, behaviors and systemic issues such as poverty, education, housing and access to quality healthcare. The Prevention Agenda provides a framework for local health departments, hospitals and other community agencies to improve the health of individuals, reduce health disparities and maximize resources.

Community input was gathered through a community survey and a key stakeholder conference. Additionally, data was gathered from a number of sources including the New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Community Health Indicator Reports (CHIRS). Both survey respondents and members from the community stakeholders identified mental health, housing stability and affordability and dental/oral health care, women's health and prenatal care, preventive care for chronic diseases and poverty as areas that need improvement within the county.

"This comprehensive assessment gives our community, and community partners a better look at the current health of our county, identifies community assets and analyzes trend data to describe changes in community health status. It also provides direction of how to best focus our resources to improve the health of the county," said Oneida County Director of Health Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPH. "This document should also be used by community agencies as a resource to guide their program development."

Multiple priorities have considerable influence on improving overall community health. Oneida County selected three priorities for the focus of this plan through 2030:

· Priority 1: Poverty

· Priority 2: Anxiety and Stress

· Priority 3: Access to and Use of Prenatal Care

The Oneida County Health Department will be working with MVHS, Rome Health and other partner agencies to strengthen programs and resources in these priority areas.

"The collaborative process of identifying and addressing the pressing health needs of communities throughout Oneida County helps to improve the overall quality of life and health for our community members," said Patricia Charvat, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Strategy for MVHS. "Working with the Oneida County Health Department, Rome Health and other community partners, we can make a meaningful difference in access to vital healthcare services and programs."

"Rome Health was pleased to participate in this comprehensive process to better understand our community's most pressing healthcare needs," said Rome Health President & Chief Executive Officer AnneMarie Czyz, EdD., RN, NEA-BC. "Healthcare organizations and community agencies depend upon this important feedback to help inform and shape our strategic plans. By collaborating around the priorities that emerged, we are able to collectively improve the health of the communities we serve."