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Mental Healthcare

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dubuque County is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area for mental health. This designation is made when there is a lack of providers to meet the needs of the population.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, from 2008-2012 the suicide death rate for Dubuque was 13.39 (per 100,000), compared to the state of Iowa at 12.63 (per 100,000). From 2009-2013 it was 13.60 for Dubuque and 12.98 for Iowa. Death rates are reported for a five year period so there may be overlap of data, however the number increased when the years 2009-2013 were reported which indicates an increasing death rate from suicide.

FROM THE SURVEY:

  • 72.98% of those with a household income of $50,000-$99,999, and 79.07% of those with a household income of greater than $100,000 had concerns about mental health treatment in Dubuque. 46.35% of those with a household income below $24,999 did not have concerns about mental health treatment.

FROM THE DIALOGUES:

  • There are limited resources for mental health in Dubuque and the wait is too long for those who really need them. Many who need services end up going to the emergency room or jail, which is not a good long-term solution.
  • There is only one pediatric psychiatrist in Dubuque, which creates a long wait list for appointments for children.

Categories

Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines health equity as follows: every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstance. Access to quality healthcare is an important factor in achieving health equity, however, there are a number of factors that can affect one's health including: social conditions, economic conditions, environmental conditions, health behaviors, disease or injury and mortality. Health inequities are considered differences in health that are avoidable, unfair and unjust according to the CDC definition. These differences are based largely on one's social and economic conditions. Read more about the Community Equity Profile and our process → Download a pdf of Health (Equity Profile introduction and Dubuque's demographics will be included) →

Health

  • Food Access

    This indicator reports the percentage of the population living in census tracts designated as food deserts. A food desert is defined as a low-income census tract, where a substantial number or share of residents has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store. This data is relevant because it highlights populations and geographies facing […]

  • Uninsured Population

    The lack of health insurance is considered a key driver of health status. This data reports the percentage of adults age 18 to 64 without health insurance coverage. Lack of insurance is a primary barrier to healthcare access including regular primary care, specialty care and other health services that contribute to poor health status. FROM […]

  • Mental Healthcare

    According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dubuque County is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area for mental health. This designation is made when there is a lack of providers to meet the needs of the population. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, from 2008-2012 the suicide death rate […]

  • Affordability/Access

    According to the Cost of Living Index provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research, the cost of healthcare in Dubuque is about 4% lower than the national average. In Dubuque the median household income is $44,599 – lower than the national median income by 19% ($53,046: 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates). Dubuque […]

  • Disease Prevalence by Household Income

    The Disease Prevalence by Household Income chart shows the percentage of the Iowa population who have been diagnosed with the disease listed. In most cases, the disease prevalence is higher when the household income is lower. FROM THE SURVEY: An average of 79.7% of those with a household income greater than $50,000 receive their regular […]