McHenry Co. health survey outlines highs and lows

Information about available services and access to mental health and substance abuse services are among the greatest needs of McHenry County residents, a yearlong study by the McHenry County Health Department and a university research group found.

Representatives from the county health department and the Health Systems Research department at the University of Illinois, College of Medicine at Rockford, presented data from the 300-page Healthy Community study Wednesday.

About 80 people from all service areas in the county ranging from education to transportation, attended the event. About 20 organizations partnered with the lead agencies to complete the study, which examined data from 2006 to 2010.

The study consisted of community analysis using existing data, 1,109 household surveys, 11 focus groups and key interviews with 34 community leaders or individuals with expertise in a particular area.

The study also looked at access to education, transportation, job development, environmental issues and development.

“This is a needs assessment and what we are doing is looking at the county and identifying where the needs are, finding any gaps or barriers at all levels of service,” said Debra Quackenbush, community information coordinator for the county's department of health. “What can we do as providers to help the community be healthier and stay healthier?”

Among the best aspects of the county are the blend of small town and suburbia, low crime rates and access to quality health care, said Deborah Lischwe, associate director of the U of I group.

However, research found that respondents had difficulty finding information to link their needs with available resources.

About 44 percent of the households surveyed rated the current information system poor, said they did not know about the system or did not answer the question.

In addition, the study found that significant gaps in services for the mentally ill, including a one-month wait to see a mental health professional.

Other problems related to mental health services are decreased state funding and a lack of transportation for patients and family members.

“This study lets us pick out our shortcomings and partner with other agencies to meet our residents' needs,” Quackenbush said. “Services are meant to benefit the community and we can't do that unless we ask what they need.”

For more information about the study go to www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/health.