Defiance County Released the 2024 Community Health Assessment: What does the health of Defiance County residents look like?

Defiance County Released the 2024 Community Health Assessment: What does the health of Defiance County residents look like?

POWER (Promoting Overall Wellness Empowering Residents) Coalition recently released the 2024 Defiance County Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Improvement Plan (CHIP). The assessment was conducted through surveys of adults, youth, and parents/guardians of children in Defiance County. The CHA provides a comprehensive picture of both the progress and challenges in our community’s health.

What is the CHA?

A Community Health Assessment asks questions on health care access and usage, exercise, eating habits, drug use, alcohol use, mental health care and so much more. The findings guide future planning and ensure interventions and resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. The 2024 assessment was developed using surveys, focus groups, and input from partners with participation from nearly 2,400 residents. The full report can be found at: www.powerdefiancecounty.org/

Highlights from the Report

Positive Trends:

• Preventive Care: 77% of adults had a routine check-up in the past year (up from 59% in 2012), and flu and pneumonia vaccine rates for seniors meet or exceed national averages.

• Youth Tobacco: Defiance County youth tobacco and e-cigarette use are lower than national rates. Cigarette smoking rates have declined (6% in 2018 vs 3% in 2024) in youth, and e-cigarette use is nearly half the national average (9.9% Defiance vs 18% U.S.).

• Child Health: 98.6% of 0-5 years olds had a medical care visit within the past year. One in three children in Defiance County are engaging in physical activity regularly.

Areas of Concern:

• Mental Health: Adults reported an average of nearly 9 days per month of poor mental health, and over 40% reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety at least monthly. Among youth, nearly half deal with stress through sleep, and suicide contemplation remains a concern. Additionally, only 1 in 5 youth feel that they have someone safe they can talk to.

• Chronic Disease: 57% of adults are overweight or obese, with high rates of heart disease compared to national averages.

• Access to Care: While most residents have insurance, cost and transportation remain barriers for some to get to providers/appointments. Dental care is a particular challenge, with only half of adults visiting a dentist in the past year.

• Health Behaviors: There was a rise in unprotected sexual activity in the youth and adults. Youth could also benefit from safer online behaviors, such as keeping their accounts private and recognizing the dangers of sharing personal information.

Why This Matters

By understanding where Defiance County is thriving and where it struggles, local leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations can work together on making improvements in the county through the Defiance County Community Health Action Plan. The Action Plan contains six different focus areas identified from the CHA.

2025-2028 Focus Areas for Defiance County

Get Involved

Community health is a shared responsibility. Residents and businesses are encouraged to:

• Stay informed by reviewing the full CHA report and Action plan at www.powerdefiancecounty.org/ 

• Share local health programs and resources with others

• Share feedback with county leaders and healthcare providers

Are you interested in getting involved? POWER Defiance County is currently meeting to implement the action plan through 2028. Contact POWER Defiance County Coalition at contact@powerdefiancecounty.org 

Article written and submitted by Bridget Fischer, Epidemiologist, Defiance County Health Department.