Resources

The Ashland County Health Department is pleased to present this publication of the results of the 2022 health needs assessment of the residents of Ashland County. Many thanks go out to the Ashland County Health Needs Assessment committee who met regularly over the course of the past six months. A Community Health Assessment (CHA) is conducted to improve and promote a healthier Ashland County community. The goal of this process is to identify the factors that affect the health of our citizens and to determine the availability of community resources to adequately address the factors. The CHA is a collaborative effort that included county leaders, the Health Department, University Hospitals, local schools, Ashland University, and Ashland County residents. The process began by addressing key questions such as, “What health concerns do we have in our community?”, “What are the strengths of our community?” and “What resources do we have and what are needed to address the health concerns?” The CHA is a snapshot of where county residents stand in terms of health and health behaviors. This report is crucial in directing the planning for not only the health department but also for those community partners who have been an integral part of this process. Together, we will use this information to guide our cooperative planning to improve the health conditions of our Ashland County residents.

According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health of 1996 regular participation in physical activity appears to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance ability to perform daily tasks throughout the life span. People who exercise feel better about themselves, others and their environment.

Additional information on exercise & physical activity

Good sleep is an important part of good mental health. While the relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet completely understood, studies suggest that a good night’s sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep disruptions set the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability.

Good sleep is an important part of good mental health. While the relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet completely understood, studies suggest that a good night’s sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep disruptions set the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability.