AppHealthCare has released the 2016 State of the County’s Health (SOTCH) Report. The 10-page report includes a summary of demographics, health indicators, and main causes of death in Watauga County. The SOTCH report also contains updates on the community’s top three health priorities, action plan projects, local initiatives and emerging trends.
The leading cause of death in Watauga County continues to be diseases of the heart. Cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and other unintentional injuries such as poisoning and motor vehicle accidents are among the other leading causes of death in Watauga County (North Carolina County Health Data Book, 2016).
AppHealthCare releases a SOTCH report each year between cycles of conducting a community health assessment. The community health assessment is a core function for each local health department in North Carolina in identifying and monitoring health needs, and taking action on the health priorities of the community. This summer, AppHealthCare will team up with Appalachian Regional Healthcare Services to conduct the next community health assessment. A key component of the assessment is a community health opinion survey. The community health opinion survey will be distributed this July and August online and at area medical providers and businesses.
AppHealthCare is working to address the leading causes of death in Watauga County by expanding access to critical services and developing community partnerships that encourage healthy behaviors. This year, AppHealthCare began offering chronic health case management, mental health and substance abuse screenings, medical nutrition therapy, and free nicotine replacement therapy to Watauga residents through a partnership with the NC Quitline.
To obtain a copy of the State of Health report, visit www.apphealthcare.com.
For additional information about AppHealthCare or other community resources and health related data, please call our offices, Alleghany (336) 372-5641, Ashe (336) 246-9449, Watauga (828) 264-4995, or visit our website at www.apphealthcare.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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