The Hamilton County Health Department’s “A Picture of Our Health” assessment has been published for 2024, showing a snapshot of the state of health for the Chattanooga area.
This report is updated every 4-5 years, so we’re taking a look back at the 2019 findings to compare some of the highlights.
Insurance
9% of the population was uninsured in 2019 + 8.1% is currently uninsured.
Access to care
In 2019, there was a 910:1 ratio of primary care physicians and 550:1 ratio of mental health providers. In 2024, the provider ratios changed to 920:1 for primary care + 390:1 for mental health.
Risk factors for chronic diseases
Factors include food insecurity, physical inactivity, and current smokers in the county. In 2019, 14% of the county faced food insecurity, 28% wasn’t active in their free time, and 20% smoked. In 2024, the numbers decreased with 10% noting food insecurity, 23% not physically active + 17% being current smokers.
Life expectancy
The county’s average life span was 77.5 years in 2019. In 2024, it has stayed roughly the same at 77 years — higher than the state average of 75.3 years.
Drinking water quality
There were no health-based drinking water violations in either report. Notably, the water system serving Soddy-Daisy has added back its fluoridation program (which all other systems in the county use).
Note: You’ll see additional topics + data on the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2024 assessment. See more of the highlights.
Why do these findings matter? They will be used to help the Health Department + Regional Health Council to develop strategies over the next few years to address the needs identified.