St. Lawrence County Coalition Advances Community Health with New Health Improvement Plan
Canton, NY — St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, local hospitals, and the Bridge to Wellness Coalition have worked together to submit the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to the New York State Department of Health.
The goal of the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the health needs impacting St. Lawrence County residents, with particular attention to populations who face the greatest challenges. Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) developed the Community Health Assessment using both primary and secondary quantitative data, along with community feedback, to identify health needs, disparities, and available resources.
This work is in alignment with the 2025-2030 New York State Prevention Agenda and focuses on making sure everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible throughout their lifespan. Through cross-sector collaboration, data-driven planning, and a focused action, disparities can be reduced, quality of life improved, and overall well-being strengthened.
St. Lawrence County’s Community Health Improvement Plan will focus on the following Prevention Agenda priorities for 2025-2030:
- Prevent Suicide: Mental health remains an issue in St. Lawrence County, where many residents face high levels of stress and emotional distress. The county's suicide rate exceeds the state goal by more than twofold, highlighting the need to improve public awareness, training, and the community's ability to identify and assist individuals at risk.
- Prevention of Infant and Maternal Mortality: Maternal and infant health is a critical area needing attention in St. Lawrence County. Currently, both maternal and infant mortality rates exceed the state's goals by more than double. Coupled with additional risk factors such as poverty, access to care, behavioral health, and substance use, maternal and infant health emerges as a top priority.
- Nutrition Security - According to the 2025 Community Health Survey, 35.9% of adults 18 years of age and older consumed fewer than one fruit and vegetable daily. Nutrition Security is closely tied to chronic health conditions and poorer health outcomes. Continued and increased access to nutritious foods can help stabilize families, improve nutrition, and prevent illness.
- Oral Health: Access to dental care is another pressing issue, as the ratio of dentists to the population is considerably lower than the state average. This discrepancy creates significant gaps in oral health services, particularly impacting low-income and uninsured residents.
Community members can view the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan on the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department’s website here: https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/PreventiveHealth