FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT SET TO BE RELEASED
DEFIANCE, OH – The Defiance County POWER (Promoting Overall Wellness Empowering Residents) Coalition is pleased to announce the official launch of the Defiance County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. This important event will take place on Wednesday, August 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital, in the Maumee/Auglaize Rooms, located at 1200 Ralston Avenue, Defiance, OH. This event is free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided. RSVP is strongly encouraged and can be sent to: bfischer@defiancecohealth.org
At this event, Defiance County POWER Coalition will release its latest Community Health Assessment (CHA)—a vital report that highlights both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the health and well-being of residents across Defiance County. Conducted every three years, the CHA provides local leaders and partners with important data to help improve the overall health of the community. The assessment gathers input directly from residents of all ages—including adults, youth 12 and older, and parents of younger children—to offer a well-rounded picture of what health looks like at home, in schools, and throughout the county.
Jessica West, Public Information Officer for the Defiance County Health Department, explained how the CHA plays a key role in shaping community health efforts. “We truly see this report as a starting point,” said West. “It helps us understand what our residents are experiencing and what they need most. From there, we work together to build a plan that supports better health outcomes for everyone. It’s not just about the data—it’s about turning that information into action, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have so many caring partners around the table who are committed to making a difference.”
Members of the POWER Coalition—which includes representatives from health care, public health, schools, transportation, law enforcement, government, and other community sectors—are currently reviewing the data and collaborating on next steps. “It takes time to thoughtfully review all the information, and the energy in the room is always encouraging,” said West. “We have passionate, dedicated people who care deeply about our community. We’re all working together to create meaningful change that supports healthier, happier lives for everyone in Defiance County.”
The 2024 CHA shows encouraging signs of progress. More residents are getting preventive care, with 77% of adults reporting they had a routine check-up in the past year—up from 59% in 2012. Most children are staying physically active, and many families are making positive lifestyle changes.
At the same time, the data reveals some areas of concern. Reports of suicidal thoughts among adults have risen significantly, from just 2% in 2012 to nearly 12% in 2024. Adults also reported experiencing more poor mental health days per month—an increase from 3.4 to 8.7 days. In addition, screen time remains high among children, with some spending more than three hours each day on TVs, tablets, or video games.
Given these findings, this year’s assessment placed special emphasis on mental and behavioral health. West noted that mental health has become an increasingly urgent issue, particularly among youth, and the CHA helps identify where support is most needed.
Health behaviors like driving safety and substance misuse were also explored in the assessment. These topics remain priorities for groups like the Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition and the Drug Free Coalition, which will use the updated data to strengthen local prevention efforts.
The full 2024 Community Health Assessment will be released, along with the Community Health Improvement Plan on August 6th from 9-11am at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital – Maumee/Auglaize rooms. Community members are encouraged to attend this free event to learn more about the findings and discover ways to get involved in building a healthier future for Defiance County. Please find more information about or RSVP for this event at: powerdefiancecounty.org or by emailing Bridget Fischer at bfischer@defiancecohealth.org
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Contact
Jessica West
Health Promotion Specialist
Public Information Officer
jwest@defiancecohealth.org
