Hospital reviews community health items

Union County Public Health continues to research what it learned from a community health survey conducted in 2022. During the Greater Regional Health board’s meeting Monday, public health director Karla Hynes explained a July report from the state about population-based services in comparison with non-population services.

Population-based services are a community’s priorities.

The survey is held every five years. A survey was held in Union County was in 2015 with results released the following year. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 delayed the survey until summer 2022. The survey did not include COVID-related statistics. Surveys were available from mid-July through August at various public places and events and assisted by Greater Regional Health. There were 297 surveys were submitted, which was more than the previous survey. The goal was to have 500 people participate.

The top three health priorities for the county were substance use, mental health and obesity.

Additional research showed Union County ranked 99 out of Iowa’s 99 counties. Length of life years is potential life loss before the age of 75. Leading causes of death are heart issues, accidents and respiratory issues. An accidental death of someone in their 30s emphasizes the statistics.

“We are addressing the categories,” Hynes said. Public health is also considering a separate survey intended for senior citizens.

Hynes said research has also been done in wastewater systems where influenza A was detected. An increase in COVID was also found in the wastewater. COVID cases are increasing across the state.

In other board news...

The board approved a $47,000 contribution to help match a grant for the new East Union school early childhood center. Students are expected in December.

Approval was made for purchase of two sets of large surgical power and one set of small surgical power from ConMed to replace an aged-out Stryker 6 power. Total cost is $81,379.

A new Otis Glide A elevator operator to replace an obsolete model was approved for $25,168.

A new roof at Crest Ridge Estates was approved for $140,000. The roof was damaged by the tornado in April and insurance will pay for a portion of the new roof.

The Davita Dialysis area will have a new entrance door at a cost of $28,833. Davita is a tenant of Greater Regional. There were safety concerns with the old door on windy days.