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Public health officials outline aging county, rising uninsured rate and mental-health concerns
Summary
Calaveras County public health leaders presented demographic and health indicators showing an aging population (median age 52), rising uninsured rate (6.6%), and elevated behavioral-health markers (loneliness 32%, depression 23%); staff outlined CHA/CHIP timelines and outreach priorities.
Calaveras County public health officials presented a multi-part report to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 10 detailing demographic trends, leading causes of death and priority program actions.
Colleen Rodriguez, director of public health, introduced the presentation and emphasized an older demographic profile: the county population was reported at approximately 45,995 with a median age of 52 and 29% of residents aged 65 or older. Business administrator Carrie Biker presented a demographic snapshot and said those factors shape demand for chronic disease management and services.
Presenters identified cancer, heart disease and unintentional injuries as the county's leading causes of death. Public health staff reported the county's uninsured rate at 6.6% (up from 5.8% the prior year), median household income of about $79,087, and approximately 27,059 housing units. Staff noted modest population growth but emphasized rural service challenges.
Health education staff highlighted social drivers and behavioral-health indicators: food insecurity at about 13.1%, housing insecurity near 10.6%, unemployment around 6.3% and elevated loneliness (reported at 32.1%). Public health supervisors reported rates of binge drinking (about 15%), tobacco use (13.4%), opioid emergency-department visits (23%), and depression at roughly 23%.
Courtney Atnip, HHSA program manager, summarized access-to-care metrics: county ratios cited included one dentist per 1,667 residents and one primary care provider per 2,380 residents, both reflecting a shortage relative to state averages. Staff described outreach programs such as street medicine and mobile clinics as critical tools to reach isolated residents.
Supervisors asked technical questions about definitions (poverty measured at 150% of federal poverty level) and about disaggregating tobacco/vaping figures by age; staff said current data are aggregated and that the planned 2027 Community Health Assessment (CHA) will collect more local information. Public health recommended completing the 2024–26 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), initiating the 2027 CHA, and prioritizing continuity, data-driven planning and partnerships. A county health summit was announced as an engagement opportunity.
What's next: staff will finish the CHIP and begin the CHA process to gather more local data and community input, with further updates to the board planned.
