SVMC Community Health Needs Assessment 2021 - Catalog - Page 35
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Unfortunately, not all of the young, diverse members of SVMC’s service area feel included in their
community. Though not available for counties in New York or Massachusetts, a recent survey indicated
that 46% of Bennington County high school students do not feel that they matter to the people in their
community.17 In Windham County, 40% of students expressed this lack of belonging.18 Within the LGBT
population, which constitutes 13% of Bennington high school students and 16% of Windham high school
students, 65% indicated that they feel as though they don’t matter to people in their community.17,18
Though community-building and togetherness are not listed as explicit priority health needs, SVMC will
continue to hold health equity, non-discrimination, and inclusivity at the heart of all community-based
projects, and will continue to provide welcoming and appropriate care for all who seek it.
Education
Recent research highlights the association between higher educational attainment, improved overall
wellbeing, and increased life expectancy. Since 2010, the life expectancy for those with a bachelor’s
degree has increased, while those without a degree have seen a decrease. This trend holds true when
controlling for race, ethnicity, and sex, indicating the universal importance of higher education and the
opportunities that it unlocks in other areas of life. Deaths for those without a bachelor’s degree are
increasingly attributed to substance use, suicide, and liver disease from alcohol consumption—a triad
sometimes called “deaths of despair”.30
Survey Responses: Highest Educational Attainment
n=1,622
Some high school
High school diploma or GED
Associate degree
13-34 years
35-64 years
Bachelors degree
65+ years
Advanced or professional degree
Trade/technical/vocational training
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
30
Case A, Deaton A. Life expectancy in adulthood is falling for those without a BA degree, but as educational gaps have
widened, racial gaps have narrowed. PNAS. 2021;118(11), e2024777118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2024777118
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Community Health Needs Assessment 2021