Wood County launches new plan to improve community’s health

WOOD COUNTY – Wood County Health Department, Aspirus Riverview Hospital and Clinics, Marshfield Clinic Health System, community residents nonprofits, businesses, and public officials are coming together. This partnership ensures a unified approach, reduces duplication, and better uses resources.

At the heart of the plan is a commitment to ensuring that all Wood County residents, regardless of income, age, race, ethnicity, gender, or location, have a fair and just opportunity to thrive, be healthy, and live their best life. “Health is determined by more than just the choices we make and access to healthcare. 80% of what makes us healthy occurs outside of a doctor’s visit and is influenced by things like housing, education, transportation, and access to healthy food,” said Kristie Egge, Supervisor of Strategic Initiatives, Wood County Health Department.

The following health priorities have been identified based on community input and the data gathered through the Community Health Assessment: mental health, substance use, housing, transportation, access to care, and financial security.

“Improving the health of our communities requires collaboration and investment across public and private sectors,” said Sarah Beversdorf, Community Health Analyst at Aspirus Health. “By focusing on upstream factors we can create the conditions for all residents to achieve their healthiest lives.”

The success of the plan will be measured by improvements in health outcomes, but these changes will take time. This work is not a quick fix, but rather a long-term commitment to creating thriving communities for all people. “The health of a community depends on how well we support all residents, particularly those who have historically had less access to health-enhancing resources,” said Jay Shrader, Vice President, Community Impact and Social Accountability at Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Wood County Health Department invites all people who live or work in Wood County to join the efforts to improve the identified health priorities. Go to healthypeoplewoodcounty.org to get involved and to read the Community Health Improvement Plan. You can request printed copies by calling the health department at 715-421-8911. The plan is a roadmap for improving the health of Wood County residents over the next three years by addressing health issues identified by the community in the 2024 Community Health Assessment, available at bit.ly/WoodCHA2024.