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In a study released by the University of Wisconsin, Delaware County was ranked as one of the worst counties in Indiana when it comes to overall health. Out of the 92 counties in Indiana, Delaware County was number 81.

What the study was looking for

The research performed at the University of Wisconsin was looking for the overall health of a community. The County Health Rankings demonstrate how important a person's environment effect his or her overall health.

Researchers based the results on many different factors: individual health behaviors, education, jobs, quality of health care, and environmental influences.

The County Health Rankings were intended to be a "call to action" for states and counties. In a model that has been used to rank Wisconsin counties' quality of health for the past six years, this year the model was used for all 50 states. Each state was ranked individually and summaries for the health outcomes and health factors were given for each county.

Looking at the numbers

Here are some of the health summaries for Delaware County, based on percent of population.

Adult smoking 23%
Adult obesity 31%
Uninsured adults 15%
High school graduation 70%
College degrees 22%
Unemployment 7%
Children in poverty 22%

To see the full report, go to: County Health Rankings.

Where Delaware County will go from here

Robert Jones, the Delaware County Health Department Administrator, says the results of the study were "dismal to say the least." Since the study was just released, Jones said he has not had time to really examine the areas where Delaware County did not score well.

Once Jones finds the weak spots in Delaware County's overall health status, he plans to compare Delaware County's results to other counties in Indiana and around the country.

Jones said that the Health Department is looking into making necessary changes to improve the health level of Delaware County. However, he added that a permanent health care change only comes if citizens change their behaviors.