Priority: Financial Stress (F)

Transcription

1 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 189 Priority: (F) Key Data Findings Families with financial stress is a top five community concern and considered a moderate or severe problem by almost three quarters (74.0%) of Stearns County adults. Several other topics related to financial stress (i.e., people without health insurance, people not getting the care they need because of inadequate insurance, and unemployment) are considered a moderate or serious problem by two thirds of Stearns County adults. Stearns County unemployment rate peaked in 2009 and has been decreasing until the present time. Although it has been decreasing, it is higher than the state unemployment rate. In 2012, Stearns County percent of people below the poverty level was slightly higher than the state, but the percent of families below the poverty level was slightly below the state. The average household income in Stearns County is almost $10,000 less than the state average. Stearns County has 3-4% higher percentage than Minnesota of people living at or below the 200% poverty rate. Stearns County has a higher percentage than Minnesota of persons aged 25 or more with less than or equal to a high school education. Stearns County foreclosures spiked in 2011 to 704, but dropped by over 50% to 314 in Stearns County percent of children in poverty has increased by three percentage points from 2007 to 2011, but is below the Minnesota level.

2 Percent frequency 190 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan Data GRAPH F1: ADULT - TOP COMMUNITY CONCERNS RURAL VERSUS ST. CLOUD METRO Top Concerns - Percent of Stearns County Adults by Geography (Source: Central Minnesota Community Health Survey, February 2013) Stearns County-all Greater Stearns St. Cloud Metro 10 0 Unhealthy Eating habits obesity-adults Lack of Physical Acitivity families with Obesity-children financial Stress The communities perception of the top five concerns by percent of frequency identified as moderately to severe problem. Families with financial stress ranked as number 4. There was a small amount of variation with greater Stearns County listing this as a lesser priority than the St. Cloud Metro Area.

3 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 191 GRAPH F2: ADULT -COMMUNITY CONCERNS RELATED TO FINANCIAL STRESS In Stearns County, how much of a problem is. Various Financial Concerns (Source: Central Minnesota Community Health Survey, February 2013) 100.0% 18.1% 16.4% 7.4% 11.0% 5.4% 80.0% 60.0% 40.0% 65.4% 63.7% 73.8% 48.0% 65.3% No opinion 20.0% 0.0% 16.5% 19.9% 18.8% 41.0% 29.3% Moderate/Serious problem No problem/ Minor problem Almost all of the questions related to financial stress concerns were viewed as a moderate to serious problem except for children in poverty. As we see in Graph F9, Children in Poverty is actually more of a problem than it has been in the last 5 years.

4 192 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan GRAPH F3: ADULT - UNEMPLOYMENT RATE Unemployment Rates for Stearns County, Minnesota, and Nation (percent of working population), (Source: HomeFacts) Jan-13 Jan-12 Jan-11 Jan-10 Jan-09 National Minnesota Stearns County Jan These data show that Stearns County s unemployment rate has been decreasing since 2009 when it peaked in 2009, the highest rate in the 6 year history shown in this graph. Stearns County has consistently seen a higher rate of unemployment than in the State of Minnesota and except for 2008 and 2009, national rates have been higher.

5 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 193 GRAPH F4: ALL - VARIOUS ECONOMIC STATISTICS 80.0% 70.0% 72.0% 70.7% Various Economic Statistics 2012 Stearns County and Minnesota (Source: US Census American FactFinder, 2012 estimates) 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% Stearns 30.0% Minnesota 20.0% 10.0% 6.7% 7.0% 12.7% 11.2% 6.8% 7.2% 0.0% % in labor force % unemployed % of all people below poverty level % of all families below poverty level All of these economic factors to show that Stearns County falls well within line of the state numbers. It is interesting to note that while % of all families below poverty level in the county is lower than the state, with % of all people below poverty level is actually higher.

6 194 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan GRAPH F5: ADULT - AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME 2012 Average household income Stearns County and Minnesota (Source: US Census American FactFinder, 2012 estimates) $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 $66,822 Stearns $76,372 Minnesota The average household income in Stearns County is almost $10,000 less than the state average.

7 Pecent Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 195 GRAPH F6: ALL - PERCENT OF ALL AGES LIVING AT 200% BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL Percent of people all ages living at 200% below Poverty Stearns County and Minnesota, (Source: US Census Data) Stearns County Minnesota These data show that consistently, Stearns County has a higher percent of people who are living at or below the 200% poverty rate. This disparity is 3-4% higher than the State of Minnesota.

8 Pecent 196 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan GRAPH F7: ADULT - POPULATION AGE 25+ WITH LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION Population age 25+ with less than or equal to high school education Stearns County and Minnesota, (Source: US Census-Education Attainment) Stearns County Minnesota This graph shows the number of people in Stearns County s population of 25 year of age or older that has less than or equal to a high school education is greater than the state average found in these data. Education directly equates to earnings. According to the Minnesota Children s Defense fund, in 2011 median earnings of Minnesotans with a college degree were 67% higher than those with a high school education.

9 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 197 GRAPH F8: ADULT - FORECLOSURES Number of foreclosures in Stearns County (Source: Stearns County Foreclosure Update) Even though foreclosures took a massive spike in 2011, the numbers dropped by over 50% in 2012, and are the lowest they have been in the five year period of time available.

10 198 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan GRAPH F9: CHILDREN AND YOUTH - PERCENT OF CHILDREN IN POVERTY 18.0% 16.0% 14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% 11.9% 10.7% Percent of children in poverty Stearns County and Minnesota, (Source: US Census American FactFinder 2012 estimates) 9.2% 11.4% 13.9% 12.4% 15.0% 15.3% 13.0% 13.0% Stearns Minnesota Stearns County has remained below child poverty levels of the state of MN. While that is a positive note, both have increased by roughly 3 percentage points since 2007.

11 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 199 Health Equity assessment We know that education relates directly to pay and that income relates directly to health. Where you live and how much you make is an indicator of your health. How much of the financial stress identified in the community that is related to race/ethnicity and urban versus rural is not clear. However, data related to limited English proficiency and the Latino/Somali populations as well as their graduation rates/dropout rates should be explored. Community feedback PUBLIC COMMENT Public Health Task Force comments Public comment during comment period Comments collected from September 15, 2014 through October 15, Where applicable, the comments were added into the body of the plan. Anonymous Make sure you are looking at all areas that can cause financial stress-- there is a lack of affordable housing in our community. According to the MN Housing Partnership, 75% of households in Stearns County are paying 30% or more of income for housing. At $8.00/hour, an earner must work 72 hours/week to afford the average rent of $752 for a two bedroom apartment. When families pay more than 30% for housing, they have to choose what will not be paid for- health care, clothing, food, school supplies, etc. Big Picture Financial Wellness The need to address financial stress/wellness is huge and workplace financial wellness programs are starting to emerge out of that need. Central Minnesota Housing Partnership Include affordable housing Tri-CAP One item that is missing is the how the lack of transportation resources relates to health.

12 200 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan FOCUS GROUP FEEDBACK There was not a focus group held on this topic. Similarities to national, state, and other local planning processes HEALTHY PEOPLE 2020 Overarching Goal: Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups. Related Objectives: Social Determinants of Health Economic Stability Education Environmental Health Health and Health Care Neighborhood and Built Environment Social and Community Context HEALTHY MINNESOTA 2020 Goal: People in Minnesota have the knowledge and skills they need to live the healthiest lives possible. CENTRACARE HEALTH COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY FOR HOSPITALS IN MELROSE, SAUK CENTRE, AND ST. CLOUD Community health issue identified as Access to Primary Care. ST. CLOUD COMMUNITY PRIORITIES Retain, expand, and attract businesses Support student success through a cradle to career approach for education and workforce development Invest in regional transportation and infrastructure Assist those facing poverty Support aging in place

13 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 201 GREATER ST. CLOUD COMMUNITY PILLARS Housing: A full range of housing is available for all community members. Economy: Our community has an increase in employment and median income levels. Wellness: Our community will create sustainable environments that encourage healthy choices and support well-being. Transportation: All people have access to, from and within the region by means of public and other modes of transportation. Community engagement: All people feel ownership in local government, connected to the larger community and involved in social networks. UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MINNESOTA FOCUS AREAS Homelessness, Financial Stability, Access to Food ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION COMMISSION TO BUILD A HEALTHIER AMERICA Fundamentally change how we revitalize neighborhoods; fully integrating health into community development. Stearns County Goals Using the Control and Influence Matrix, is an Area for future consideration. Potential goals, objectives, and strategies to consider include: GOAL F1: INCREASE ECONOMIC GROWTH ACTIVITIES WITHIN STEARNS COUNTY. GOAL F2: CREATE A CULTURE SUPPORTIVE OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR TECHNICAL TRAINING TO PROMOTE SKILLED WORKERS. GOAL F3: BUDGETING EDUCATION NEEDED FOR ALL AGES. Objective F3.1: Develop and/or promote classes in school about financial management, budgeting, etc. Suggested strategies a. Discuss different ways to discuss finances. b. Work with community financial institutions to develop a budgeting education program at the banks. c. Support and encourage open communication between high schools and banks.

14 202 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan d. Independent Living Skills/Budgeting/Money Management required for all youth - illustrate consequences for not paying bills, credit scores, etc. Objective F3.2: Increase summer job opportunities for youth. Objective F3.3: Explore ways to offer budgeting assistance tools and education to persons receiving public assistance. GOAL F4: PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AROUND HEALTHY FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES. Objective F4.1: Educate about how negative health behaviors increase financial stress and stress in general. (i.e., associations with alcohol and tobacco use) GOAL F5: INCREASE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING. Objective F5.1: Support the development and maintenance of housing that is low cost and support policies that make low interest loans available. Objective F5.2: Develop affordable housing along public transportation routes to increase access to services. GOAL F6: IMPROVE OR INCREASE TRANSPORTATION ACCESSIBILITY TO ALL PERSONS. Measurements for success Measurements to consider tracking for this priority could include: Decrease poverty rates Decrease percent of children in poverty Increase high school graduation rates Increase number of persons with some post-secondary education Decrease number of persons in financial crisis Decrease the number of persons experiencing homelessness Existing community assets and resources Quality education systems Central Minnesota Continuum of Care St. Cloud Area Homeless Concerns Group Project Homeless Connect

15 Stearns County CHIP, Community Health Improvement Plan 203 Potential partners Stearns County Human Services: Public Health Division, Family and Children Services Division, Community Corrections Division, Community Supports Division, Gateway Services Division Minnesota Department of Health Chambers of Commerce Local businesses Colleges/Universities Policy Makers Initiative Foundation Central Minnesota Community Foundation School boards Non-Profits Tri-County Action Program (Tri-CAP) Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity The Housing Coalition of the St. Cloud Area United Way of Central Minnesota Work Force Center Central Minnesota Housing Partnership Metro Bus St. Cloud Area Salvation Army Place of Hope Ministries Anna Marie s Alliance St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Stearns County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (Initiative: Minnesota Budget Project. Document: Mapping Minnesota s Future to Shared Opportunities) Stearns County community health priority interconnections Refer also to these Stearns County community health priorities: Parenting Skills Mental Health Lack of Physical Activity Poor Nutrition Tobacco Use by Women Alcohol Use/Binge Drinking Integration of Newly Arrived Persons Dental Access