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What is a Report Card on Health?

Since 1999, the Public Health Improvement Partnership's Key Health Indicators Committee has reviewed a multitude of possible measures, studied the work of several states, and sifted through the data thoughtfully and carefully. The goal is to answer the question “How healthy are we?” Therefore, the report card was developed to take a deeper look at health, focusing on the “determinants of health” and measuring those that have the greatest impact on our health. The contribution of medical care is important, and it is essential when a person becomes ill. But other factors have a much greater impact on our overall health, including personal behaviors, such as smoking and physical activity and the social and physical environment in which we live.

Who is being graded?

All of Washington state.

What is being graded?

Overall health and factors in our environment, communities, families and ourselves that affect health.

How are we grading?

We are looking at more than 50 measures. The grades reflect how we compare to the United States, if we are getting better or worse over time, and how well we are doing to eliminate health disparities among our different racial/ethnic populations.

Why are we putting out a report card?

This report card is intended to inform and stimulate state and community discussion, as well as policy development and action, by providing solid information that will lead to more focused actions, and ultimately, better health..

The report card will be updated with new data every two years to identify areas that need addressing for improving health in Washington. This report card website will provide information on each of the measures and grading components.

The indicators fall into the following categories:

1. How healthy are we overall?
2. How safe and supportive are our surroundings?
3. How safe and supportive are our communities?
4. How supportive is our health care system?
5. How safe and supportive are our families?
6. How healthy are our behaviors?

For more information, please contact:

Public Health Systems Planning and Development

Washington State Department of Health

101 Israel Road SE; MS:  47890

Tumwater, WA  98501

360.236.4085

360.586.7424 (FAX)

phip@doh.wa.gov