Based on a new assessment in the county, the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department and its partners have set chronic disease prevention, promotion of well-being, and prevention of mental and substance abuse disorders as the focus for their work.

The new 2019-2021 St. Lawrence County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan has been developed by the health department, with St. Lawrence County Health Initiative, Canton Potsdam Hospital, Claxton Medical Health Center, Clifton-Fine Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, and Massena Hospital.

Such work would not be possible without the support of local hospitals and numerous community agencies, the announcement from the health department said.

The plan provides an overview of demographic and health indicator data for St. Lawrence County residents, as well as current health challenges, determinants of health, and existing community assets and resources.

The document also outlines a collaborative plan for addressing community health priorities they have identified.

“The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan helps us understand how social determinants of health, like poverty, transportation, education, and housing can impact health, and provides an important framework for our community partners to collectively engage and implement strategies focused on improved outcomes,” said Dana McGuire, St. Lawrence County Public Health Director. The plan’s strategies include worksite nutrition and physical activity programs, promotion of community walking, wheeling, or biking programs, increased access to chronic disease management classes, and medication assisted treatment (MAT) training and mentorship for the treatment of substance use disorders.

“The Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is one of many ways that organizations in our community work together. We are able to maximize our resources while supporting each other to meet differing missions and services” said Anne Marie Snell, executive director of the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative and co-lead for the Bridge to Wellness Coalition.

The 2019-2021 St. Lawrence County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan is available on the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department website.