Upper Peninsula Health Education Corporation

Alger County Health Study results to be presented January 14

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

MUNISING – More than 60 percent of Alger County households responding to the 2007 Alger County Community Health Study have at least one family member on prescription medicines. Almost 13 percent of respondents pay more than $200 per month for prescription medicines. Yet about six percent of respondents have no health coverage.

This and other relevant health study information will be presented in Munising on January 14, 2008, by Jeff Dwyer, PhD, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine associate dean for research and graduate studies and the study's principle investigator.

The study covers general health related questions ranging from how often residents visit their doctor to how often they interact with the community. The study was developed to gauge a wide range of health related issues. For example, respondents were asked “Is the presence of public land and water in your community important to your personal feeling of well-being?” For the record, 82.8 percent of respondents said it is.

The study results provide information about the health and well-being of the residents of Alger County.  In addition, the information can help local governments and organizations learn more about community health care needs and support efforts to obtain funding to improve the health of the community.

Along with Dr. Dwyer, Medical Care Access Coalition and Community Advisory Board members will be available to answer questions related to the study and health care in the county.  In addition, health care professionals will be displaying information related to community programs.

Community organizations are encouraged to participate and display tables will be available at no cost. Organizations wishing to participate should contact Paula Ackerman at 906-387-4110 or Jody Lindberg at 906-228-7970 by Thursday, January 10th.

The presentation will be held at the Sault Tribal Health Center in Munising on the 14th at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

The Alger County Community Health Study is a collaboration of the Upper Peninsula Health Education Corporation, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, MSU Office of Outreach and Engagement, MSU-Extension and the Medical Care Access Coalition.

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