Chester County ranked healthiest in state

Posted by Press Release on March 20, 2013

Chester County has once again been ranked overall as the healthiest county in Pennsylvania according to a study released today by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The study placed Chester County at the top of a number of categories including health factors which include health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.

The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation compiled the 2013 County Health Rankings study, a collection of 50 reports that reflect the overall health of counties in every state across the nation. Now in its fourth year, 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.

The report is designed to allow counties to determine where they are doing well and where they need to improve. Chester County’s top ranking is announced right after 40-plus county organizations completed a countywide community health assessment and just as they are embarking on a plan to address identified issues.

Commenting on the report, Chester County Commissioners Chair Ryan Costello said: “This recognition demonstrates that Chester County is a community ahead of the curve. The leadership of our Health Department, the network of hospitals, healthcare providers, health clinics, social service-related non-profit organizations, and our environmental stewardship and recreational resources, all point to an extraordinary conclusion – Chester County is the best living environment for residents in the state.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone added: “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.”

Commissioner Terence Farrell noted: “It is no coincidence that one of our six strategic plan priorities relates to the Health and Environment of Chester County, and the positive results of this study help in measuring the goals set for this priority. In addition to the many services and functions of our health department, we have set a goal to ensure a high percentage of Chester County businesses are introduced to the benefits of employee wellness programs. Our own county government wellness program has helped us to achieve significant savings on the cost of healthcare benefits for our employees, and other businesses – large and small – are starting to follow our lead.”

Details of the 2013 County Health Rankings Report are posted on the Chester County Health Department website, www.chesco.org/health.