SLCNA Report February 2020 - Report - Page 10
VI. Secondary Data Profile: Health Status Indicators
Messiah Lifeways has conducted health indicator research of the service area using an online public
health repository created by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Health Informatics
known as the Enterprise Data Dissemination Informatics Exchange (EDDIE). EDDIE is an interactive health
statistics tool developed to allow public health professionals to access data and statistics so that this data
can inform policy and program decisions (PA DOH, 2019).
The data profiled below was collected through the Pennsylvania Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a national telephone survey with a standardized methodology which is
used to collect public health data through telephone surveys. Currently, 15 states participate in the BRFSS
and report data to their local public health agencies (CDC, 2019). The information below was accessed
through the EDDIE system and represented BRFSS data for individuals aged 65 and older within the
specified county areas (as available).
Access to Health Care Services
Approximately three percent of the population over the age of 65 surveyed reported that they do not have
a personal health care provider. The statistic is important because the absence of a health care provider
indicates the lack of continuity of care, irregularly of annual exams, and potential for emergency room
visits. Dauphin and Lebanon County areas were not reported due to an inadequate statistical sample size.
Pennsylvania BRFSS: Health Care Access/Coverage – Does not have a personal health care provider
County Areas
Percent
Cumberland, Perry
3.0%
Dauphin, Lebanon
Not Reported
Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
Data indicates a significant amount of the 65 plus population who report that they regularly consume
fruits and vegetables. Access to fresh produce through area grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and local
farms/orchards promote this trend and are a positive health influence in the community.
Pennsylvania BRFSS: Fruits and Vegetables – Consume at least five servings of fruits and/or
vegetables every day
County Areas
Percent
Cumberland, Perry
30.0%
Dauphin, Lebanon
27.0%
Diabetes
Diabetes can have a harmful effect on most of the organ systems in the human body, and it is a frequent
cause of end-stage renal disease, lower-extremity amputation, and a leading cause of blindness among
working age adults. Diabetes also increases the risk for heart disease, neuropathy, and stroke.
Pennsylvania BRFSS: Diabetes – Ever told they have diabetes
County Areas
Percent
Cumberland, Perry
Dauphin, Lebanon
27.0%
22.0%
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