Learn about 2017 McHenry County Healthy Community Study results

Community members are invited to hear the results of the 2017 McHenry County Healthy Community Study at a presentation from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, in the college's Luecht Conference Center, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

The yearlong study consisted of three components: survey to community residents, focus groups, which included community leader input and a community analysis.

Outlining the results of the study will be Deborah Lischwe, assessment designer and associate director of Health Systems Research, Division of Policy and Social Science Research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. Ben Baer, epidemiologist for McHenry County Department of Health, will present details of the county's community assessment.

Funded by McHenry County Healthy Community Study partners, information gathered from the Healthy Community Study will be used by entities such as the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships Coalition and hospital systems to positively address health and community designated priorities.

Healthy Community Study funding partners include: Advocate Health System, Centegra Health System, McHenry County Health Department, McHenry County Mental Health Board, McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition and United Way of Greater McHenry County.

"This study follows assessments conducted every three to five years since 2006," said Meaghan Haak, community health coordinator for the McHenry County Health Department. "Each time it is updated, it has been invaluable in providing direction as to where MAPP partners should focus their initiatives."

Assessment results will also be posted at www.mcdh.info.

The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Health Department at (815) 334-4510.