New Philadelphia, Ohio - Two community organizations will present a snapshot of the health and wellness of Tuscarawas County during an event Friday morning at Kent State University at Tuscarawas.
In the spring of 2018, Healthy Tusc conducted an intensive survey of Tuscarawas County youth and adults. To unveil the results, the organization will be joined by the Anti-Violence SAFE Coalition during a program titled “Vital Signs and Invisible Injuries.”
The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Founder's Hall auditorium and will focus on the county's current health status and the impacts of the survey data.
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a light breakfast. The survey results will be presented at 8 by researcher Emily Golias, MPH, CHES, of The Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio.
At 10, Rachel Ramirez, LISW-S, RA, from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network will expand on the data by sharing her knowledge during a presentation titled "Invisible Injuries: Strangulation, Traumatic Brain Injury, & Domestic Violence."
The program is free to attend, however, seating is limited and registration is required. To register, visit www.unionhospital.org and click on the Health Events section.
Community leaders invited to attend to learn the most pressing health needs facing county residents. Continuing education units will also be available for attorneys, counselors, social workers, marriage & family therapists, and educators.
Healthy Tusc Chairperson Kim Nathan said the group is excited to for the opportunity to work with the Anti-Violence SAFE Coalition to share the most current data with community leaders and how this translates into the real-life work that the two groups do on a daily basis.
“We would love to see business representatives from a wide variety of industries attend, and we also want to encourage elected officials, church leaders, civic club officers, and other county residents who feel strongly about improving the health of our county residents to come,” she said.
Jamie Smith is the assistant director for Personal and Family Counseling Services. She said that during the presentation those in attendance will learn county health statistics such as the rates of obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, and more.
"Attendees will also hear about behavior and lifestyle data such as how many residents struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, how many of our youth feel bullied, and what environmental factors are affecting the quality of life for area residents," she said. "Rachel will share how these alarming statistics are a major factor in rising domestic violence cases.”
At the conclusion of the presentation, attendees will be asked to provide input to Healthy Tusc members regarding what health needs should be prioritized and addressed by local organizations in order to improve the health of the community.
“Improving the health of the community cannot happen overnight,” noted Nathan. “We at Healthy Tusc and the Anti-Violence SAFE Coalition are happy to lead the effort, but it will take everyone working together to create a thriving community and leave a healthy legacy for future generations.”