Health & Human Services
Significance
Health and human services that are high quality, affordable and culturally appropriate and support the optimal well-being of all people.
Tracking the overall condition of health in Washington is critical for promoting optimal well-being for all people. Drawing awareness to health outcomes by race, place, and income allows the State to uncover disparities and develop more specific intervention to improve health outcomes.
Accessible Healthcare
Many people are unable to access medical services because of either a personal or structural barrier to care despite medical need. Access to health care is a contributor to health outcomes and years of healthy life. When people avoid or delay doctor visits it has a negative impact on their health status and may decrease the likelihood of early intervention for serious conditions. Understanding the amount of unmet medical needs allows the State to identify and create interventions for those in our community who do not have access to preventative services.
Affordable Healthcare
Insurance helps to make medical care accessible, and the lack of insurance is a barrier for engaging in preventative medical care or can create a significant financial burden for necessary treatment. Healthcare services are not affordable without insurance and insurance is often inaccessible due to cost.
Optimal Well-Being
Life expectancy is a measure that captures the overall health status of a population. Through examining life expectancy, Washington can understand the health status of residents and develop specific interventions to improve health outcomes.
Other indicators for well-being include:
- Infant Mortality
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Tobacco Use
- Frequent Mental Distress