Will County Ranked 25th Healthiest in State

Will County is among the healthiest in Illinois, coming in at no. 25 of 102 counties, according to the results of a study released this week.

The health outcomes ranking is based on an equal weighting of morbidity and mortality measures that influence the length and quality of life. The health factors ranking is derived from an examination of numerous health behaviors, access to clinical care, the quality of clinical care, and physical environment. Social and economic factors were also considered.

The study captures a "valuable point in time snapshot of Will County’s overall health,” said Will County Health Department Executive Director John Cicero in a statement.

“It illustrates that community health is shaped by a wide variety of factors beyond what occurs at our doctor’s office, hospital, or health clinic," Cicero said. "Everyone plays a role in community health: educators, business leaders, hospitals, the faith community, elected officials — everyone has some key role to play in order to make the community a healthy place to live and work.”

Will is one of seven Chicagoland counties listed among the state’s healthiest jurisdictions. Cicero says public health administrators can utilize data from the health rankings to identify problems and address the most critical health priorities using measurable objectives. The study, called Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) is a joint effort between The University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

"Every community can point to specific strengths and weaknesses that ultimately influence health," Cicero said.

 "The information contained in studies of this magnitude can help shape the formation of community partnerships that develop strategies capable of addressing priority health objectives."

Click here for more information about the study.