A new national county-level survey on health places Franklin County in the middle of the state's 88 counties, but shows much different outcomes nearby.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report ranks Franklin County 48th in the state on quality of life -including low birth weight, length of life and premature death - while Delaware County is ranked first in the state. On health factors like smoking, excessive drinking and obesity, Franklin County is ranked 38th, while Delaware County is again ranked first. In terms of clinical care availability, Franklin County performs somewhat better; coming in at 14th. But Delaware County is again ranked highest in Ohio. Pat Remington, Associate Dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, says the results are not surprising.
The survey, which looks at more than 30 factors, is unusual in that it goes beyond the typical health markers and evaluates counties on measures like segregation, housing cost burden and commute time.
The report lists ways to lobby state and local governments to change health policies, as well as strategies to work with schools, community groups and non-profit partners to improve health outcomes.
