Attachment 2: Community Stakeholder Interview Responses Interview participants were asked to name some of the major health issues affecting individuals in Orange County. Responses included: ● The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health issue, as are chronic disease, mental health, and housing. ● Among seniors, COVID-19 has led to higher occurrences of isolation which, increases anxiety and depression. ● Major issues facing our communities moving forward include how do we recover from COVID-19 and how do we better position ourselves to manage communicable disease control and surveillance. ● COVID-19 has been a major health issue in Orange County, however, it is impacting different communities at different rates given gender, racial, and ethnic disparities in access to resources. ● There exists a fallout from COVID-19 that is impacting health, as COVID-19 has led to long-term health problems and increases in rates of obesity and substance use, mental health conditions, unemployment, and loss of income. ● Chronic disease is a main health issue, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer and heart disease. ● Diabetes relating to mental and behavioral health issues, economic issues such as inadequate access to healthy food, and behaviors such as sedentary lifestyle. ● Mental and behavioral health are significant issues for Orange County. Since the pandemic, social isolation has affected people ages zero to 100. ● Housing is a major health issue particularly among those who are unsheltered and those who have co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. ● Those experiencing housing insecurity face large amounts of stress that can lead to poor diets, mental health conditions, and substance use. ● There are health disparities among people who are economically disadvantaged, people of color, and/or those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ+). Women experience inequitable outcomes and experiences with breast cancer, cervical cancer, domestic violence, and reproductive health (specifically among teens). ● Neurodegeneration is a growing issue given the rapidly-aging population in Orange County. ● Health among transition-age youth. If people can be encouraged to take preventive measures and engage in health care at that time (ages 16 to 25), there is a higher likelihood of them engaging in these practices as they grow older. ● Health conditions secondary to overuse of technology, such as weight gain and low mood because of physical inactivity (now that we’re working from home and sitting 12 hours per day) and early hearing decline and loss among teens and UCI MEDICAL CENTER 2022 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT
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