County ranks low in health

EPHRATA - Just in time for the upcoming Health Forums, Grant County has received word that it ranks 27th statistically among Washington's 39 counties in matters of health.

This information is likely to be among the topics of discussion at the Grant County Health District's scheduled forums at various county locations in the coming weeks.

The Mattawa forum will be held on April 19 at the Wahluke High School commons. The Royal City meeting will occur at the Red Rock Elementary gym. Discussion will get under way at 6:30 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:15.

The county health rankings were compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson  Foundation. The study ranks each county in every state.

"The second annual set of reports ... provides Grant County with a useful tool for setting health priorities," Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller said. "The county ranked No. 1 is considered the healthiest county in the state."

Grant County's rankings, by health categories, are: Mortality (death rates), 25; Morbidity (disease rates), 26; Health behaviors, 26; Clinical care, 27; Social & economic factors, 29; and physical environment, 19.

"While it is good to see the abundance of nutritious foods from local growers contributing to a healthy physical environment, our high motor vehicle crash death, premature death and teen pregnancy rates are reminders of the critical work before us in improving the health of our community," GCHD Administrator Jefferson Ketchel said.

Ketchel noted the health district's resources have declined during the current recession, but he said, "With the steady support of our public and private partners we will continue to build a Grant County that is a healthier place to live."