Report provides abundance of health data

The Department of Public Health has published “Health of Massachusetts,” a compendium of demographic and statistical information on every aspect of personal and public health in the state.

The report represents the first time that data on every issue addressed by the state’s public health agency has been compiled in one document. The information is expected to help guide policy decisions at the state and local level on a host of health, education and built environment issues.

The report, available at www.mass.gov/dph, provides the framework for understanding health data by setting out statewide demographics, socioeconomic data, and tables listing community assets such as the local health care infrastructure, physician availability, the state park system, public pools and farmers’ markets.

Each chapter is accompanied by a brief policy perspective from people working in specific health fields.

Data concerning children can be found in the early childhood chapter, including birth rates and infant mortality rates. The infectious disease component provides information on vaccine coverage, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and tuberculosis rates, and the growing incidence of Lyme disease.

Efforts by DPH to counter the increasing rates of obesity and chronic health problems have relied on data available in the Wellness and Chronic Disease chapter. Municipal efforts may be better shaped by the report’s data on obesity, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and mental health.

The environmental health chapter provides data on lead poisoning, allergies and food safety. Data on occupational health provides a starting point in helping workplaces lower injuries and fatalities in the workplace and promote employee health.

Many state and local programs and policy initiatives are under way to prevent and treat alcohol, drug and tobacco addiction. One chapter in the report is dedicated to providing data on these addictions as well as policy efforts and available treatment.

Data is also provided on injuries such as falls, car accidents, pedestrian accidents and fatalities from fires and poisoning. The report includes data on suicide rates and different types of violence, including bullying.

For more information, contact D.J. Wilson at the MMA.