OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Douglas County health leaders have set a goal of making the county the healthiest metro in the Midwest by 2040, according to the department’s latest community health assessment.
The data shows progress in some areas, but officials say significant challenges remain — including a rise in infant mortality and low HPV vaccination rates among children.
Health challenges span chronic disease, mental health and prevention
The annual assessment found Douglas County residents are facing challenges ranging from chronic disease and high blood pressure to mental health and preventable illnesses.
Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said those issues are not solved through healthcare alone. She said they are shaped by the choices people make every day and by whether communities make healthy living easier…