New rankings show healthiest and least healthy counties in Wisconsin

PRINCETON, N.J. AND MADISON, WIS. – According to the seventh annual County Health Rankings, released March 30 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI), St. Croix County ranked 3 out of 72 counties for health outcomes and 5 for health factors, Dunn County ranked 35 out of 72 counties for health outcomes and 35 for health factors, and Pierce County ranked 6 out of 72 counties for health outcomes and 18 for health factors.

The rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

In reviewing the current ratings, Sue Galoff, Pierce County Public Health Director and Deb Lindemann, Health Officer for St. Croix County Public Health, agreed that “it is always good to see Pierce County and St. Croix County rank among the top twenty counties but there is still much work to do that can change health factors resulting in improved health outcomes for the people who live in our communities.”

An easy-to-use snapshot that compares counties within states, the Rankings show that where you live influences how well and how long you live. The local level data makes it clear that good health is influenced by many factors beyond medical care including housing, education, jobs, access to healthy foods, and more. This year we took a closer look at premature deaths – or deaths that occur among people under age 75. Exploring Wisconsin’s premature death trends from 1997 to 2014, we find 39 counties have seen improvements in premature death rates, while five have seen worsening rates and the rest saw no change. 

The Rankings Key Findings Report reveals that drug overdose deaths are fueling a dramatic increase in premature deaths nationally because of an increase in deaths among 15 to 44 year olds. From 2014 to 2015, 85 percent of the increase in premature deaths can be attributed to a swift increase in deaths among these younger populations. The Rankings Key Findings report reveals that while myriad issues contributed to the rise, the drug overdose epidemic is the leading cause of death among 25- to 44-year olds and is a clear driver of this trend. Drug deaths are also accelerating among 15- to 24- year olds, but nearly three times as many people in this age group die by homicide, suicide, or in motor vehicle crashes. 

“The County Health Rankings show us that where people live plays a key role in how long and how well they live,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, RWJF president and CEO. “The Rankings allow local leaders to clearly see and prioritize the challenges they face — whether it’s rising premature death rates or the growing drug overdose epidemic — so they can bring community leaders and residents together to find solutions.”

According to the 2017 Rankings, the five healthiest counties in Wisconsin, starting with most healthy, are Ozaukee County, followed by Kewaunee County, St. Croix County, Taylor County, and Washington County. The five counties in the poorest health, starting with least healthy, are Menominee County, Milwaukee County, Sawyer County, Adams County, and Washburn County. 

This year’s Rankings also introduce a new measure focused on young people, those 16 to 24, who are not in school or working. About 4.9 million young people in the U.S. — 1 out of 8 — fall into this category. Rates of youth disconnection are higher in rural counties (21.6 percent), particularly those in the South and West, than in urban ones (13.7 percent). 

“Young adults who are not in school or working represent untapped potential in our communities and our nation that we can’t afford to waste,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, PhD, RN, director of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. “Communities addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and education can make a difference creating opportunities for all youth and young adults. The County Health Rankings are an important springboard for conversations on how to do just that.” 

The Rankings have become an important tool for communities that want to improve health for all. In Pierce and St. Croix Counties, the two health departments and four hospitals have formed Healthier Together – Pierce County and St. Croix County, a community coalition that uses data and resources from the county health rankings as well as data from other sources and community input to identify and address health priorities. The current health priorities are: Obesity/overweight; Mental Health; and Alcohol Abuse. 

One of the health factors being addressed is access to Mental Health care. Healthier Together is working on a campaign “Make it Ok” that decreases stigma around mental illness thereby making it easier for people to seek care.