Strategic Spartanburg

This goal addresses both the physical and mental health of our citizens. By some important measurements, the health of the citizens of Spartanburg County, like the rest of the country, has improved. However, in some ways, the people of this area are at increased risk based on what are generally referred to as personal behavior choices. The economics of health is at the heart of our health care challenge. We spend a fraction of the health care dollar on the prevention of chronic illness, which experts agree could offer the most cost-effective approach. At the same time, the number of uninsured individuals continues to rise, leaving a vulnerable population to resort to the expensive and inefficient option of emergency room care.

The indicators inform us:
• The cost of preventive health care -- prenatal services, immunization, oral health screening, etc., represent an intelligent investment on the part of any community concerned about rising health care costs.
• Spartanburg County has significant challenges with identified risk behaviors such as obesity, alcohol, drug and tobacco use. These behaviors lead to lifelong health concerns. Data associated with this issue could be greatly expanded by countywide participation in the Center for Disease Control’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey.

Healthy Families Indicators
• Low Birth Weight
• Very Low Birth Weight
• Immunizations (at age 2)
• Infant Mortality
• Hospitalization Rates (Heart Disease, Cancer, Stroke, Diabetes)
• HIV/AIDS Frequency Rates
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Rates
• Oral Health
• Drug & Alcohol Admissions
• Teen Risk Behaviors
• Mental Health
• Overweight and Obesity


On the right, you'll be able to explore the indicators under this goal. You can delve deeper into the priorities and opportunities laid out in the Community Improvement Plan. We have also put together various funding resources and possible collaborators that we hope will be of assistance. And don't forget the Community Spotlight section which shows you a local project working towards one or more of the Community Indicators.