Public Health: Gwinnet County

In general I find the health indicators in the public health profile of Gwinnet County (GA Division of Public Health, 2005), comprehensive and thorough. Pertinent information regarding diseases and other health problems experienced in the county is found in several documents on the web site, including the Gwinnet CommunityHealth Status Report (Gwinnet County Health Department, 2001). I would not therefore remove anything from the indicators, although I would like to address one or two areas where I find the information somewhat lacking.

What is particularly impressive is the county's apparent success in diminishing serious problems and diseases such as heart disease and AIDS. The rates for these are consistenly lower than other those of other counties (Gwinnet County Health Department, 2001, p. 2). Other areas do remain a problem, such as tuberculosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. What I would therefore like to see among the health indicators is an explication of strategies that were followed to lower the former diseases, and possible plans to eliminate current problems. Furthermore, a collaboration between the public health and hospital system is mentioned, but no specific information regarding this collaboration is given. Statistics regarding bed availability are indeed provided, but perhaps the public could benefit from more information about how the collaboration actually takes place.

Another area that could be addressed is the county's educational facilities. Currently it seems that many of the health indicators are focused on cure rather than prevention. Although immunization pracitces are mentioned, education regarding healthy living is a pertinent part of disease prevention. I would therefore like to see this added to the health indicators.

In conclusion, I find the indicators that are present comprehensive and sufficient, but it is important to educate the public regarding strategies implemented on their behalf, as well as regarding individual practices for optimal disease prevention and cure.

Sources

Georgia Division of Public Health. (2005). Health Data & Information. http://health.state.ga.us/healthdata/index.asp

Gwinnet County Health Department. (2001). Gwinnet Community Health Status Report: Working Together for a Healthier Community. http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/regional/gwinnethealthstatus.01.pdf