PORTAGE COUNTY (WAOW) -
A
new report shows what people in Portage County think are the biggest problems
in the community. The report follows a survey of business leaders and others
who live in that county.
But
it's about more than just problems.
"It's
a call to action to the community to respond to these topics," Portage County
United Way Executive Director Sue Wilcox said.
The
United Way surveyed more than 700 community members and business leaders—as part
of a study that hasn't been done since 2007.
"Ultimately,
the whole idea around this is to identify calls to action and priorities to the
community," Wilcox said.
The
five biggest problems according to the study—unemployment, alcohol abuse, the
gap in academic achievement, taking care of the aging population and obesity.
"Each
one of them is an area that suggests we need to pay greater attention to that
particular topic," Wilcox said.
Specifically,
leaders at Saint Michael's say this study helps them identify medical issues
they can address—like obesity.
"As
healthcare providers, clearly we have a responsibility and are a natural
partner to be a resource for those suffering with that issue," Saint Michael's
Foundation Director Angie Heuck said.
This
is the first year the study has outlined calls to action. A new study is
scheduled to be released every three years.
"It's
an opportunity for us to see whether or not we've moved the needle on these
calls to action and is our work being effective," Wilcox said.
Studies
similar to this have been done in Marathon and Wood counties.
