This percentile indicates where our region ranks nationally in terms of years of potential life lost before the age of 75. In some cases, premature deaths are simply tragic, unavoidable accidents. But in other cases, they are caused by things such as treatable diseases, cancer, and preventable accidents. The "Premature Deaths” metric gives us insight into areas we need to improve in our region from nutrition, healthcare delivery and disease research to public safety, suicide rate and transportation.

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When we started our work, we were at the 71st percentile

This percentile indicates where our region ranks nationally in terms of babies born in our region with a birthweight less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, also known as being born premature. Some premature babies are born to perfectly healthy mothers. But it is also a complex public-health problem that can be caused by long-term maternal malnutrition, ill health, hard work, poor health care during pregnancy and much more. Ultimately, the "Live Births with Low Birthweight” percentile gives us a glimpse into maternal health, nutrition, healthcare delivery and poverty in our region.

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When we started our work, we were at the 51st percentile

This tracks the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported by individuals in the past 30 days. This percentile indicates where our region ranks nationally. Poor mental health can be caused by depression, anxiety, stress and much more. And these conditions can, in turn, result from a broad range of things, from people with disabilities and people living with chronic conditions, to childhood abuse, social disadvantages and discrimination. Ultimately, regions with more unhealthy days are likely to have higher unemployment, poverty, percentage of adults who did not complete high school, mortality rates, and higher rates of disability.

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When we started our work, we were at the 53rd percentile

This percentile indicates where our region ranks nationally in terms of adults in our region who rate their health as poor or fair. It is an indicator of the level of disability or chronic disease in our region. It can also indicate unhealthy lifestyle habits. Beyond the obvious, poor health can also contribute to reduced income and a vicious cycle called the health-poverty trap—a self-reinforcing cycle of poverty. There are countless other chain reactions caused by “Poor or Fair Health” affecting a very broad range of quality-of-life factors in our region.

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When we started our work, we were at the 16th percentile

This tracks the average number of physically unhealthy days reported by individuals in the past 30 days. This percentile indicates where our region ranks nationally. People with chronic physical illness often have difficulties maintaining a job, and as a result, have a hard time affording care. So "Poor Physical Health Days” can lead to financial burden and, for example, lead to a decrease in how much someone can afford to purchase healthy food, housing, and transportation.

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When we started our work, we were at the 11th percentile

This tracks the percentage of adults not engaging in leisure physical activity, providing a critical measure for assessing health behaviors and planning public health interventions. In Florida, 26.2% of adults reported no leisure time physical activity in 2021 exceeding the target of 20% or less. Tracking this metric helps identify trends, informs health promotion strategies, and ultimately aims to reduce sedentary behavior and its associated health risks.

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This tracks data about middle and high school students who were physically active at least 60 minutes per day on all seven days. The MS-YRBS, one of four statewide, school-based surveys included in the Florida Youth Survey (FYS), tracks indicators of behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence, substance use, physical activity, and dietary behaviors. In Florida, the MS-YRBS data is collected at the state level in public and charter middle schools during odd-numbered years. Currently SWFL Middle and High School combined is 19.6% of whom are physically active 60 minutes a day seven days a week. Middle school percentage is 21.9% and Highschool is 17.2% for Southwest Florida.

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This tracks the proportion of individuals who have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. In 2021 food security rates in Southwest Florida are as follows: Charlotte County at 86.2%, Collier County at 88.3%, Glades County at 83.4%, Hendry County at 83.1%, and Lee County at 87.3%, with a weighted average of 87.3%. While most residents in the region are food secure, the data highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with higher rates of food insecurity, particularly in Glades and Hendry counties. Healthy people 2030 target is 94% of individuals with food security.

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This tracks the proportion of children who have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Tracking this metric is essential as it provides insights into community well-being, guides resource allocation for food assistance programs, and helps monitor the effectiveness of food security initiatives. In 2022 food security rates for children in Southwest Florida were 82.2%. Healthy people 2030 target aims to eliminate very low food security in children.

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This tracks the availability of behavioral health and mental health professionals, specifically measuring the number of marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors with active licenses in Florida. This metric excludes other behavioral healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and school psychologists. By examining the number of these professionals per 100,000, we gain valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of mental health care services in the region. In Southwest Florida the number of providers per 100,000 was 88.3.

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This tracks the rate of hospital stays for ambulatory-care sensitive conditions per 100,000 Medicare enrollees. Tracking this rate of preventable hospital stays for ambulatory-care sensitive conditions is critical as this measure can act as an indicator of the quality of outpatient care and the efficiency of a health system. Based on data from County Health Rankings, in the year 2022, the regional rate of preventative hospital stays was 3,418 per 100,000 Medicare enrollees.

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This tracks the percentage of female Medicare enrollees ages 65-74 who received an annual mammography screening. Tracking this metric is of particular importance given that our region has high incidence rates of female breast cancer. This metric falls under quality of care because physician referrals and satisfaction with physicians are key drivers of breast cancer screening. Based on data from County Health Rankings, in the year 2022, 52.8% of female Medicare enrollees received a mammography screening.

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The ratio of the population to dentists acts as a key metric for assessing the availability and potential access to oral healthcare services in a specific geographic area. Based on data provided by County Health Rankings, in the year 2022, in our region the ratio of the population to dentists was 1,838:1.

Developmental Target: addresses an important health issue that lacks a reliable target, with the target still in the developmental phase.

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This tracks the ratio of the population to mental health providers. Evaluating this indicator is crucial as it provides direct insight into the accessibility of mental health services within our community. Based on data provided by County Health Rankings, in the year 2022, the ratio of the population to mental health providers in Southwest Florida was 863:1.

Developmental Target: addresses an important health issue that lacks a reliable target, with the target still in the developmental phase.

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This tracks the initiation of prenatal care. Babies born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die compared to those whose mothers receive prenatal care. Based on Florida Health Charts in the year 2022, in our region, 91.4% of births were to mothers who began prenatal care at a known point during their pregnancy, whether in the first, second, or third trimester.

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