AP photo of doctor with child.
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Health care leaders have identified five areas that need attention if the region's health is to improve.
They are: increasing access to health care; increasing the number of health providers who offer low-cost or free services; reducing disparities in prenatal care access; improving access to healthy foods, and reducing disparity in health-risk factors among students.
"The assessment provides valuable and useful information," said Dr. Erin Inman, director, Spectrum Health Healthier Communities. "The data provides a level foundation on which to plan, develop and implement new programs and services to meet the needs of our community."
Coalition leaders will immediately begin engaging the community in developing strategies to address the issues. "We will work with a variety of groups," says Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. "Several have an already-proven track record in delivering results, but we need to fill the gaps where some clients are not getting the care they need."
"We are proud to be a partner in this collaborative work to improve the health of Kent County," said Deanna Demory, from the Heart of West Michigan United Way. "As we focus on strategic issues, our Health Vision Council will use this as a foundation for prioritizing our resources - including volunteer and advocacy efforts, as well as the community's donations."