Priority 1. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA)

Drug and alcohol dependence often go hand in hand. They can also lead to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Preventing substance abuse disorders and related problems is essential to CWHP residents’ behavioral and physical health.

Relevant Strengths:

• AWARE and School Counselor Grants in schools 
• Regional Comprehensive Community Services 
• Treatment and Alternatives Diversion (TAD) Court in planning stages 
• Social Host Ordinance

Relevant Challenges:

• Availability, affordability, attractiveness, and acceptability of alcohol in Wisconsin
• Lack of professional assistance in overcoming substance abuse (detox, long term care, etc.)
• High number of ACEs
• High multiple provider rates, e.g. “Doctor Shopping”
• Limited locations to send patients for AODA treatment

Priority 3. Nutrition and Physical Activity

Nutrition and physical activity have been prioritized in the Adams County Needs Assessment for 7 years, and significant progress has been made. Below are some key initiatives and projects that have resulted from the efforts to prioritize and improve Adams County’s nutrition and physical activity.

Nutrition

• Additional Farmers’ Market implementation
• Access to monthly Second Harvest Mobile Food Pantry 
• Initiation of Farm-to-School programming with local school districts 
• Community Garden implementation 
• Community designation for Free-and-Reduced Lunch at schools 
• School Supper Program

Physical Activity

• Everyday Physical Activity implemented in elementary schools 
• Expansion of youth soccer program 
• Rejuvenated Be Healthy Coalition
• Increase in Worksite Wellness programming by local employers 
• Increased recreational programming in northern and southern regions of county 
• Adams Running Club 
• Bicycle Pedestrian Plan development

Priority 1. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA)

Drug and alcohol dependence often go hand in hand. They can also lead to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Preventing substance abuse disorders and related problems is essential to CWHP residents’ behavioral and physical health.

Relevant Strengths:

• Drug Free Adams County Coalition
• AWARE and School Counselor Grants in schools 
• Wisconsin State Drug Database 
• Statewide “Dose of Reality” Campaign 
• Regional Comprehensive Community Services 
• Treatment and Alternatives Diversion (TAD) Court in planning stages 

Relevant Challenges: 

• Lack of professional assistance in overcoming substance abuse (detox, long term care, etc.)
• High number of ACEs
• High opioid prescription rates
• High multiple provider rates, e.g. “Doctor Shopping”
• Limited locations to send patients for AODA treatment

Priority 2. Mental Health

Many factors can contribute to one’s mental health. Risk factors can include biology, a family history of mental health problems, or ACEs. In Wisconsin, a higher number of ACEs has been linked to higher rates of depression. With a high prevalence of ACEs in the CWHP region, there is great need for mental health services. Those seeking care in the CWHP region will most likely have trouble due to the low number of providers in the area.

Relevant strengths:

• Community support systems
• Friendship Connection 
• Trauma-Focused provider trainings 
• Focus on parent education and trauma in Health and Human Services 
• Comprehensive Community Services

Relevant challenges:

• Mental health stigma
• Mental health provider shortages- especially psychiatry
• High number of ACEs
• Social isolation & physical isolation
• Limited social associations
• Limited natural supports
• Limited private providers
• High need and limited access lead to long waiting times