Davis County focuses on improving residents' health

Clearfield • Davis County health agencies and community organizations have set their top priorities: Preventing suicide, battling obesity, providing access to mental health services and improving air quality.

The decision stems from the findings of the Community Health Status Assessment, a report released in the summer that showed while Davis County is the sixth healthiest county in Utah, improvements are needed.

The next step will be to implement a five-year plan to address the problems, said Isa Perry, community outreach planner for the Davis County Health Department.

She told the county Board of Health this week that the 2014-2018 Community Health Improvement Plan will be launched early next year.

That effort already has widespread support, Perry said, noting that more than 50 people attended a meeting in August to discuss ways to improve residents' health and there are four working groups devising strategies to meet plan goals.

"The community has been involved every step of the way," Perry said. "The momentum is huge."

Proposed elements of the plan include youth suicide prevention programs, a survivor support group for Davis County, more depression screenings, increased physical activity in schools, worksite wellness programs, improved air monitoring and encouragement of alternatives to driving, such as walking and bicycling.

pmanson@sltrib.com

Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC