When it comes to health, Shasta County doesn’t fare too well.
Multiple studies show that nearly half of Shasta County’s population is pre-diabetic, suffers from a higher rate of obesity and has a higher number of smokers than the rest of California.
Since 2011, Shasta County's rank in the annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's County Health Rankings & Roadmaps has fallen steadily. It now sits at 50 out of the 57 counties evaluated.
But Shasta County health officials are looking to change that and help every resident live a long and healthy life, regardless of gender, social class, race or ethnicity. Having good health among all socioeconomic groups is called health equity, and right now that is out of whack in Shasta County, with poorer residents facing more health challenges.
Read about five factors that can leave poorer people behind when it comes to health. Read about what came out of the Thursday workshop including this about ACEs:
Adverse childhood experiences – Shasta County reports a higher level of ACEs among its population, with 28.9 percent reporting more than five ACEs, compared to the national rate of 8.7 percent. Only 16.1 percent reported zero ACEs, compared to the national rate of 40.6 percent. During a brainstorm session, participants pointed to the “get over it” culture that may embarrass people and prevent them from seeking treatment for past traumas.
READ FULL ARTICLE by Amber Sandhu of Record Searchlight HERE
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