County survey finds mental health a major health concern

A countyside survey of Cuyhoaga County residents, part of the Health Improvement Project - Cuyahoga (HIP-C), reveals the major health concerns.

Over 5,700 Cuyahoga County residents took the Quality of Life survey, part of the Health Improvement Partnership-Cuyahoga, a countywide partnership of over 50 agencies whose goal is to develop a long-term, coordinated improvement plan for the area.

The survey was available to residents from about November 2011 through January 2012 and could be completed in paper format or through the HIP-C website online.

The top five health concerns were

1. Alcohol & Drug Issues
2. Obesity
3. Mental Health
4. Violence
5. Aging

The preliminary survey results were also reported for Cleveland, first ring (inner ring) and outer ring municipalities. Inner or First ring municipalities are those that share a common border with Cleveland. Results were similar for these areas and can be found at the HIP-C website. Tobacco use and unhealthy neighborhoods came up as additional concerns.

The survey also provides a glimpse of strengths and areas for improvement.

The results are preliminary and are expected to be part of a larger report that will include data reflecting health and social indicators for the area, as well as comments from the public on their health concerns.