DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On Community Health And Access
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on Community Health and Access in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 375A.04, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners is, and performs the duties and exercises the powers of a community health board under Minn. Stat. ch. 145A, and is required to govern and administer those functions as fully as other Dakota County functions, including the responsibility to prevent disease and to promote and protect the public health of Dakota County residents.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners identified health and accessibility as a priority for 2024.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or injury. It is a fundamental right of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. Prerequisites for health include a combination of fundamental conditions, resources, and personal factors. Fundamental conditions include peace, shelter, education, food, income, a stable ecosystem, sustainable resources, social justice, and equity. Personal factors include the ability to self-care, meet basic human needs and being able to be as independent and autonomous as possible.
A healthy community creates and improves the environment and expands the resources for all residents of the community to move towards health. It is one in which all residents have access to the resources they need to live healthy lives and where local groups work together to prevent disease.
Access to comprehensive, quality healthcare services is important for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and premature death, and achieving health equity for all. Adequate access to care includes having health insurance that allows one to enter the healthcare system, timely access to care, a primary provider who the patient can develop a relationship with, and the ability to receive care when there is a need for care.
Access to and linkage with care is one of the five foundational areas of public health (Attachment: Foundational Public Health Services Framework). Public Health is responsible for providing timely, relevant, complete, and accurate information to the health care system and community on access and linkage to clinical care. In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, local public health is also responsible to educate partners, communities, and individuals on barriers in accessing clinical care; provide education and technical assistance to healthcare and clinical providers; assess the impact of external factors and conditions that affect clinical care cost; assess the quality and effectiveness of clinical care services to the population to guide public health planning and decision-making; assess the impact of external factors and conditions that affect clinical care quality and effectiveness; and establish metrics and monitor clinical care quality, effectiveness, and outcomes. This includes behavioral health.
Access to health care was also ranked number four in community concerns in the 2023 Dakota County Community Health Assessment (Attachment: 2023 Dakota County Community Health Assessment). It was reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic people delayed preventative care, which has caused more serious issues to arise. Wait times for appointments have increased and there is a lack of providers in the community, especially for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Dakota County has the third lowest rate of primary care physicians per person in the Twin Cities metro region in 2022-2023. Accessing dental care is also very challenging not only for uninsured and underinsured individuals living in Dakota County, but also for families who receive healthcare insurance through Medical Assistance. Only 17 percent of dental clinics in Dakota County are accepting Medical Assistance or Prepaid Medical Assistance patients with only 26 percent of enrollees accessing dental services in 2020. Only 30 percent of children eligible for Medical Assistance ages 1-20 received a preventative dental service in 2023. Access to medical and dental healthcare for uninsured and underinsured individuals is at a critical level and has left most individuals required to leave the county for services.
OUTCOMES
None.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Informational only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Foundational Public Health Services Framework
Attachment: 2023 Dakota County Community Health Assessment
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Coral Ripplinger
Author: Coral Ripplinger