The following is a release from Snohomish County:

The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age—known as social determinants of health—influence a host of health risks and outcomes. To help better understand the current conditions at more of a community level, the Snohomish Health District has released its first-ever series of health reporting area profiles.

“The eleven area health profiles reveal marked differences in health status and the social determinants of health across Snohomish County,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District. “While the overall health of Snohomish County is generally good, these differences remind us that we need to consider where people live whenever we try to improve short- and long-term outcomes.”

Summary comparing the 11 health reporting areas

Each area in the full series is broken down by census tract information to examine key factors like demographics, socioeconomic conditions, health outcomes, and maternal, infant and child health outcomes. The 11 areas are:

· Arlington, Stanwood and Darrington

· Bothell and Brier

· Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and West Lynnwood

· Granite Falls, Lake Stevens and Snohomish

· Marysville

· Mill Creek and Silver Firs

· Mukilteo and North Lynnwood

· North Everett

· South Everett

· Sultan, Skykomish and Monroe

· Tulalip Bay and the North Coast

To see Bothell’s health report go here.

“One of the goals in creating these reports was to not only inform, but to also inspire decision-makers in Snohomish County,” said Dr. Elizabeth Parker, the epidemiologist who led the District’s efforts to create the profiles. “We hope both policymakers and county residents can use the information to take action in improving the health and well-being of their communities.”

Data sources used in compiling the reports were primarily the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and birth and death certificate data from the Washington State Department of Health’s Center for Health Statistics. In addition to these profiles and the 2016 Community Health Assessment being released later this month, the District will be releasing reports focused on marijuana, health disparities and child fatalities.

The Snohomish Health District collects, analyzes and distributes data about health and disease trends and issues in Snohomish County. Public health data helps prioritize needs, identify health threats, plan programs and activities, and develop policies to improve health. To view these and other important health information, visit www.snohd.org/Records-Reports/Data-Reports.