Report identifies priority topics for local health care

A survey of county residents and roundtables with health care providers have produced a list of health care priorities for the coming years.

The highest priorities identified are promoting health and wellness, prevention of chronic disease, improved communication and collaboration among health care providers, between providers and the community, and within the community, and enhanced access to resources and assistance.

The surveys were a joint project by St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, Hillsboro Community Hospital, and Marion County Health Department.

“It was gratifying that everyone recognized the need to address chronic public health issues,” Health Department Administrator Diedre Serene said. “We all recognize the problems are there. Improving the situation is the challenge.”

Early steps to work on those priorities include updating a county health services directory and a health fair planned for late winter.