Every three years, hospitals across Idaho take part in a survey to determine the state's biggest health needs.
The survey, which pulls data from health sources and interviews, is conducted by the St. Luke's system. The new results are out Friday. The two most significant concerns? Obesity and mental illness.
If we can identify what's impeding peoples's health — what's robbing their longevity and happiness — then we can work with our partners and say 'what's needed for people to achieve the lives that they want?' - Lyle Nelson
Jean Fitzgerald Mutchie, Lyle Nelson and Dr. Alejandro Necochea joined Idaho Matters to talk about what these statistics mean and some possible solutions.
Known geographic health patterns help healthcare providers understand where they should focus resources. As Mutchie says about predicting health outcomes, "our zip code is more predictive than our genetic code."
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