FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Survey Finds that Albany County Among the Healthiest in New York State
New rankings on county health out today show that Albany County is among the healthiest in the state. The findings were released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsins Population Health Institute as part of the fourth annual County Health Rankings. Every county in the country is ranked on Health Outcomes (how healthy we are) and on Health Factors (indicators of overall general health). In the 2013 County Health Rankings, Albany County scored high on composite Health Factors, achieving a ranking of 11 out of 62 compared to other counties in the state. Health Factors is a summary of measures for health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic conditions, and physical environment. In the 2013 County Health Rankings, Albany County scored in the top half on Health Outcomes, 27 out of 62, compared with other counties in the state. Health Outcomes is a summary of measures for mortality (i.e. premature death) and morbidity (general health/disease status). The findings in this report demonstrate that by working together we can make a difference, said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. My administration will use this data to continue our collaborative planning efforts, strengthen community health education, and strive to further improve overall health outcomes for county residents. These rankings are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our County Health Department led by Dr. James Crucetti, said Shawn Morse, Chairman of the Albany County Legislature. I look forward to working with the County Executive and members

of the Legislature in sustaining our level of commitment to public health in Albany County. As in the past 3 years of the National County Health Rankings, Albany County ranks in the top quartile in the category of Health Factors and in the second quartile when ranked on Health Outcomes, said Albany County Health Commissioner Dr. James B. Crucetti. This report adds helpful information to the Countys Community Health Assessment, which is used for countywide planning with many community partners that are committed to promoting the health of residents in our county. The County Health Rankings show where Albany County is on factors that influence its overall health ranking. The Rankings show that Albany County has strengths in the following areas: Health Behaviors, ranked 15 out of 62 counties Clinical Care, ranked 6 out of 62 counties Social & Economic Factors, ranked 16 out of 62 counties and Physical Environment, ranked 15 out of 62 counties This report will be used by the county to build on successes and mobilize community partners to take action and implement programs and policy changes in areas to further promote overall health in Albany County. As an example, the Healthy Capital District Initiative (a partnership of area hospitals, health insurers, local health departments, and others) is conducting a community health planning process to identify local health needs and collaboratively implement health improvement interventions. In addition, the Albany County Strategic Alliance for Health focuses on lowering risk factors that lead to chronic diseases by promoting physical activity, reducing tobacco use, and improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables in the City of Albanys Arbor Hill, West Hill, North Albany, and South End neighborhoods. Albany Countys Department of Health should be proud of the tremendous outreach and education the staff already does 365 days a year, said Albany County Legislator Mary Lou Connolly, Chairwoman of the County Health Committee. I firmly believe Albany County consistently ranks well because of the number and variety of clinics, programs and services that are offered on a regular basis. And when a crisis hits like with H1N1, our staff and entire county mobilizes to respond quickly and effectively. Published on-line at www.countyhealthrankings.org by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the rankings assess the overall health of nearly every county in all 50 states, using a standard way to measure how healthy people are and how long they live. The rankings consider factors that affect peoples health within four categories: health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment. This years rankings include several new measures, such as dentist per capita and drinking water safety.

Health is everyones responsibility. Working together, we can make Albany County an even healthier place to live, learn, work and play. ###