San Diego City Wire

The County Health and Human Services Agency released two reports that found critical inequities in health in the County of San Diego. 

The Community Health Assessment is a comprehensive report designed to gain insight into the health of the county and learn about steps that the county can take to address instances of health inequity. The report includes data points from morbidity, demographics of the county and the health of residents in the community. 

The data in the Community Health Assessment was used to form the Community Health Improvement Plan, which is a plan to get the county back on track and address inequities. 

Highlighted in the action plan is the importance of getting the community engaged in these initiatives and providing the community with the resources that they need to follow through on the objectives. This plan, the agency said, is aligned with San Diego's "Live Well in San Diego" vision, which is oriented toward health improvement, living safely and thriving in San Diego. 

“These plans are reflections of the leadership and dedication of our communities to the lives of our fellow San Diegans. These regional plans will continue to be living documents that evolve to reflect future strategies within each region to create safe, healthy and thriving communities," Nick Macchione, director of the County Health and Human Services Agency, said.

There are various aspects to the action plan, including improved access to quality health care, initiatives designed to increase physical activity, encouragement for healthy eating, halting the use of tobacco and alcohol, and preserving the natural environment in and around San Diego.