PENDER COUNTY—Pender County’s 2017 State of the County Health Report reveals the rural region has mortality rates above the state average in many its top causes of death.
The report was completed by the Pender County Health Department to supplement data available in the Community Health Assessment, a comprehensive report due sometime this year. The report was presented to the Pender County Commissioners on March 19.
Results
It revealed that from 2011 to 2015, Pender County’s rates for all top 10 causes of death increased. Though Alzheimer’s Disease is no longer ranked within the top 10, cancer rates are higher than the state’s average.
Pender County’s cancer rate is 228.9 per every 1,000 residents, whereas North Carolina’s average is 191.5 per every 1,000 residents.
The study points to factors such as “limited physical activity outlets, healthcare provider shortages, few transportation options, and a higher prevalence of smoking” as common in Pender’s rural communities.
Pender County has a senior population that is expected to grow. According to the report, the rural county will have more residents over 65 than under 17 by 2030.
The report focuses on a methodology that can target the aging population.
“As the number of Pender County residents entering their senior years increases, there are unique health challenges to assure access to clinical and related services they require to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to be physically active as they age,” the report states.
Children and infant mortality
Aside from the aging population, Pender County may need to target its childhood health data.
Both infant and childhood mortality rates were higher than the state’s average for the years between 2012 and 2016. Forty child deaths were recorded during this time period, with half the deaths resulting from birth defects or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Though the county’s health department has based its public health outreach efforts on problem areas identified in its 2014 Community Health Assessment — mental health, substance use, diabetes and increasing access to physical activity — it will continue to track these newly identified issues, the report states.
Johanna Ferebee can be reached at johanna@localvoicemedia.com or @j__ferebee on Twitter
