Oconto County’s low rating—57th of 72 counties—in the state’s County Health Rankings was not unexpected by Debbie Konitzer, Oconto County health officer. The rankings were released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“This data reflects what Healthy Oconto County 2018 found during the 2013 community health assessment and plan,” Konitzer said in a news release.
Healthy Oconto County 2018 is a group of citizens and organizations working to improve the health of area residents by focusing on three priorities: alcohol and other drug abuse, mental health, and nutrition and physical activity.
An assessment performed by the group revealed that one in four Oconto County high school students used a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription in 2010; 28 percent of Oconto County adults are obese; and the county’s suicide rate, which is higher than the state average, has increased each year since 2002.
The group’s strategies to address the issues include education plans, creating a mental health coalition and increasing workplace wellness initiatives.
“Healthy Oconto County 2018 challenges all Oconto County residents and organizations to become involved to make Oconto County a healthier place to live, learn, work and play,” Konitzer said.
For more information, visit www.healthyocontocounty.info.
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