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Health department: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer remain major local burdens; county programs aim to reduce risk
Summary
Calvert County health staff told the board that cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer impose significant local mortality and morbidity; they highlighted a slate of prevention and chronic‑disease management programs and urged continued funding and partnership.
Health department staff presented county‑level data showing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer as leading local health burdens and outlined prevention and care‑management programs. In 2023 the county recorded roughly 225 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease (about 195 from heart disease and 42 from stroke); the health officer reported that 35.1% of residents reported doctor‑diagnosed high blood pressure in 2023, adult obesity is roughly 36%, and 11.9% of adults were current tobacco users based on the BRFSS data cited.
The department described three principal programs: the Healthy Heart Ambassador (four months, blood‑pressure screening and home monitors), Prevent T2 (a 12‑month CDC‑backed diabetes‑prevention program aimed at 5–7% weight loss and 150 minutes/week of activity) and Living Well with Diabetes (a six‑week self‑management course). The health officer also said cancer screening and navigation services help low‑income and uninsured residents access diagnostic and treatment referrals. "It really makes a difference in their lives," the health officer said, summarizing program impacts and participant outcomes.
