Lorain County health chief outlines community health assessment priorities, neighborhood cleanup program

Mark Adams, health commissioner of Lorain County Public Health, told Oberlin City Council on Jan. 21 that the department's community health assessment (CHA) and three'year community health improvement plan (CHIP) will guide work across the county and in Oberlin.

Adams said the CHA, based on focus groups, surveys and partnership with hospitals and community organizations, identifies five priority areas for Lorain County: chronic disease, maternal and child health, mental health, substance use and cancer. "This is what's wrong with us. This is what we need help with," Adams said, adding that the CHA should drive program and funding decisions.

The commissioner emphasized race-based disparities. "When you look at who this is affecting most. In black men, this is affecting non Hispanic black men," Adams said, noting infant mortality and chronic disease gaps. He…