With the help of the public, Mower County Community Health has identified the top 10 health issues/priorities in Mower County.

In 2013, Community Health started work on a Community Health Assessment, seeking data and assistance from the public and various organizations.

Though Community Health Director Lisa Kocer admitted she was initially skeptical about the study, she was pleased with the results.

“It actually was really enlightening and fun, and people really got into it,” Kocer said.

Board Chairman Jerry Reinartz noted unintended and teen pregnancy, as well as alcohol, tobacco and drugs cause many of the issues.

“Some of these have been problems for many years,” he said.

10 Most Important Community Health Issues/Priorities (in no particular order)

•Obesity month children and adults

•Chronic/non infections disease

•Unintended pregnancy/teen pregnancy

•Mental health — depression, bullying in schools

•Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

•Child and adolescent growth and development

•Access to health care

•Lack of exercise and activity

•Health disparities — low income, children living in poverty, limited English proficiency

•Poor or inadequate parenting