McLean sees slight drop in county health rankings

Posted on March 14, 2018
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McLean County has a 29 percent adult obesity rate which is higher than the state average. (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County dropped slightly in the annual health rankings.

The nationwide County Health rankings compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute placed McLean as the 23rd healthiest county in the state, down four spots from last year.

Public Health Communications Specialist with the McLean County Health Department, Lisa Slater, said the survey helps direct how the county implements its health improvement fund and where it seeks grants.

“We have things to be proud of regarding our health here in McLean County it’s not all bad,” Slater said. “We certainly are well within the top third of 102 counties.”

McLean County has an adult obesity rate higher than the state average, but showed improvements in reducing smoking, unemployment and children in poverty.

“Any area where we see opportunities we’ve identified that does exist and have been working to meet the needs,” Slater said.

Piatt (11), Woodford (12) and Tazewell (20) counties all ranked in the top 20. Livingston County ranked 54th.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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