Freeborn County health officials outline priorities after community assessment: mental health, access to care and substance use

Public health staff presented Freeborn County’s Community Health Assessment on Feb. 17, summarizing data and community feedback that shaped three priorities for the next Community Health Improvement Plan: mental health, access to care and substance‑use prevention.

Avi, the county’s public‑health analyst, told commissioners the CHA combines quantitative data (surveys and datasets) with qualitative listening sessions and local work groups. ‘‘Equity means giving people what they need in order to succeed,’’ Avi said, using a stadium‑fence illustration to explain why tailored services and outreach matter.

The assessment finds Freeborn County is an aging community (about 27% aged 55 and older), majority white with growing Latino and Asian populations, and that many residents forgo care because of cost or inability to take time off work. Public‑health staff reported roughly one‑third of respondents…