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,. <br />is Z&.: ~ ~~_Y ~' ^~t ;.. ,~ k;'.;x '~y>' ~.~d'cFgg :~ ,^~ <br />Z ~1 t ; <br />Purpose <br />This 2009 State of the County Health Report provides <br />an update of health concerns, and actions being <br />taken to address them. It uses the most recent data <br />to highlight county demographics, the leading causes <br />of morbidity and mortality, and progress toward <br />addressing the leading health concerns identified in <br />the 2007 Community Health Assessment. The <br />prioritized health issues are: 1) Access to health care; <br />2) Health promotion; 3) Adolescent health; 4) Mental <br />health and substance abuse; and 5) Transportation. <br />Orange County, NC: Promoting and Protecting Health <br />A letter from the Health Director <br />Orange County residents have much to celebrate! <br />While we have many challenges that will make our <br />communities stronger and healthier, overall we <br />continue to have healthy residents. This 2009 State <br />of the County Health Report, compiled annually, <br />provides a snapshot of updated health statistics and <br />activities towards meeting community priorities. We <br />hope that the community finds this report easy to use <br />with valuable information. <br />The Orange County Healthy Carolinians Partnership <br />has much to be proud of this year. Under the able <br />leadership of Bobbie Jo Munson, Healthy Carolinians <br />Coordinator, Orange County Healthy Carolinians <br />achieved re-certified status for 2009-2013 and for the <br />third time. Ms. Munson stepped into the role as <br />Coordinator during a crucial time in the 2007 <br />community assessment process and carried through all <br />activities flawlessly. Sadly, we also bade her farewell <br />this summer as she pursued a different career path. <br />We are recruiting for a new coordinator and expect to <br />fill that position soon after the New Year. <br />It is a tribute to our partners, that even with a staff <br />vacancy, Healthy Carolinians Committees continue to <br />see significant progress toward accomplishing their <br />action plans for community improvement focused on <br />the prioritized health issues. I would like to extend a <br />special thank you to Nidhi Sachdeva, Health <br />Promotion Coordinator for the Orange County Health <br />Department who stepped in on top of her other duties <br />to compile this report and keep the fire burning. <br />Thanks also to our strong community leadership; to <br />Mark Sullivan, last year's Healthy Carolinians Chair; <br />and to Myra Austin, our current Chair. <br />The Orange County Health Department is proud to <br />sponsor Healthy Carolinians of Orange County. The <br />commitment of more than 45 community agencies, <br />individuals, and businesses; and the dedication of <br />hundreds of volunteer hours make this partnership <br />one with strong bonds. Our residents are truly the <br />beneficiaries! <br />Dr. Rosemary L. Summers, DrPH <br />Orange County Health Director <br />