Public health

Assignment #4 (30 points)

PH 600

PLACES is a collaboration between the CDC, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the CDC Foundation. PLACES provides health data for small areas across the country. This allows local health departments and jurisdictions, regardless of population size and rurality, to better understand the burden and geographic distribution of health measures in their areas and assist them in planning public health interventions.

Use the County Comparison Data on the CDC website to compare three counties in Mississippi:

· Lafayette County- where Oxford, MS is located

· Madison County- highest per capita income in the state

· Holmes County- lowest per capita income in the state

1. Write a 500-word reflection on the results of this county comparison. (30 points)

a. How do these counties compare to each other, and to the overall U.S., in terms of health outcomes, health risk behaviors, and prevention efforts?

b. What do these data tell you about the health status of these counties?

c. How could these data be used to establish priorities for public health action?