When people hear the phrase community health, they often think about hospitals, clinics or doctor visits. Those things matter, of course, but community health is much bigger than health care alone.
Community health is about whether people in Shawano and Menominee counties have a fair chance to live healthy lives. It is about physical health, mental health and social well-being. It is also about the conditions we live with every day — whether we can find affordable housing, get to an appointment, buy healthy food nearby, access mental health care and feel supported in our families, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.
That broader view of health is exactly why local health departments complete a Community Health Assessment, or CHA, every three to five years. The purpose is simple — listen, learn and use that information to guide the work ahead.
Our newly completed 2025 Community Health Assessment gives us a clearer picture of what people in our communities are experiencing. Some of the findings are encouraging; some are concerning. All of them help us better understand where we need to focus together.
One thing came through very clearly — Mental health is weighing heavily on our communities.
In our recent community survey, mental health was identified as the top factor having the greatest impact on health locally. Community members and local partners also pointed to suicide as a major concern. Among Shawano County high school students, more than a quarter reported prolonged sadness that interfered with daily activities, and many also reported significant anxiety and serious thoughts of suicide. Those numbers are hard to read, but they are too important to ignore.
We also heard clearly that health is shaped by practical, everyday barriers. Community members identified economic disparities, cultural limitations and transportation barriers as top areas needing improvement. Transportation may not sound like a health issue at first, but if you cannot get to a doctor, a counselor, a grocery store or even a job, your health is affected. In a rural area like ours, distance, reliable transportation and access matter.
The assessment also reminds us that where people live impacts how healthy they can be. In both counties, at least 1 in 10 households experiences at least one severe housing problem, and food access remains a challenge, especially for lower-income residents who may not live close to a grocery store.
At the same time, rates of obesity and diabetes remain high in both counties, increasing the risk of other serious health problems.
Access to care is also not equal for everyone, and even people with insurance may struggle to get timely care when providers are limited or far away. These are the kinds of issues that do not always make headlines, but they have a very real effect on health over time.
At the same time, our communities have real strengths.
Residents identified safety, community connection, health care, environmental conditions and local amenities among the things they value most. Key community partners also pointed to assets such as recreational opportunities, schools and the strong sense of community that exists across our counties.
That matters because community health is not only about what is going wrong. It is also about building on what is already strong.
The assessment is not the end of a process; it is the starting point. It helps lay the foundation for the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which will guide local action over the next three years. That plan will help determine where we focus our partnerships, energy and resources to improve health in Shawano and Menominee counties.
This is where the public comes in.
Good public health work should not happen in isolation or behind a desk. Data is important, but data alone does not tell the whole story. The people who live here know what daily life looks like. They know where the gaps are, where the strengths are and what challenges families are facing. That is why community voices are so important in setting priorities.
In June, community members and partners will be invited to a community meeting to review the results of the 2025 Community Health Assessment and help vote on the priorities that will shape the next Community Health Improvement Plan for Shawano and Menominee counties.
We encourage residents, organizations and local leaders to take part. Community health is not just the responsibility of a health department, hospital or clinic. It is built by schools, employers, local governments, nonprofits, faith communities, families and neighbors. When we work together to identify our shared priorities, we are in a stronger position to improve health outcomes and quality of life for everyone.
Please watch for the upcoming meeting invitation and consider joining us. Your voice can help shape a healthier future for Shawano and Menominee counties.
Nick Mau is the health officer for the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department with a master’s degree in public health.
