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Chester County has been ranked the healthiest
county in Pennsylvania, according to a study released Feb. 17 in Washington,
D.C., by the University of Wisconsin.

The study placed Chester County at the top of a
number of categories, including health outcomes and health factors. The study
looked at a number of factors, including the length and quality of life, health
behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and the physical
environment.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the
University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute compiled the 2010 County
Health Rankings, a collection of 50 reports that reflect the overall health
of counties in every state across the nation. For the first time, counties can
get a snapshot of how healthy their residents are by comparing their overall
health and the factors that influence their health, with other counties in
their state, according to the report.

The report is designed to allow counties to
determine where they are doing well and where they need to improve.

Commenting on the report, Chester County
Commissioner Chair Carol Aichele said in a prerss release: “This study
validates the efforts of the Chester County Health Department and the
tremendous network of healthcare providers to ensure the good health of all
county residents.  If, as the report states, where we live matters to our
health, then I’m glad that I live in Chester County.” 

In the 
same release Commissioner Terence Farrell said  “Chester County’s
success in this report can be attributed to a number of factors, including the
fact that our health department is so well established, so well managed and
staffed, and so far-reaching.  Many of our citizens and organizations look
to the Chester County Health Department to provide a wide range of services –
from treatment, prevention and education on health issues, to a strong
environmental component that includes water and well testing, restaurant
inspections and food handler training.”

“One of the priorities of our Strategic
Planning Initiative is a healthy community,” adds Commissioner Kathi
Cozzone.  “Our county-wide goals include promoting and protecting the
public health environment of Chester County citizens, and we have encouraged
our own County employees to lead by example, through the development of a very
successful wellness program. 

Chester County Health Department Director
Margaret Rivello said: “While this is an excellent rating for the overall
county, there are still geographical areas where access to healthcare is a
challenge, and people still need help adopting healthy behaviors.

“We are very pleased with the results of this
report, but we cannot rest on our laurels while there is still work to be
done,” added Rivello.