The results from the latest version of the Howard County Health Assessment Survey (HCHAS) were compiled with new major findings to emerge from the survey data. The representative survey of 2,266 adult Howard County residents provides a comprehensive picture of the health conditions and behaviors across the County’s population. Declining healthcare access, rising mental health treatment, and growing financial strain highlight key areas for action.
The 2024 survey was produced through a collaboration of the Howard County Health Department, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Horizon Foundation, and Columbia Association. This is the latest in a series of comparable studies conducted regularly in Howard County since 2012.
Key findings include:
- Access to high-quality, coordinated, health care is a growing challenge for Howard County residents. In 2024, 90% of respondents say they have health care coverage, which is a decline from the high of 95% in 2016.
- Mental health and social isolation are a growing challenge for many residents, despite a reported increase in people receiving treatment for mental health conditions. Almost one quarter (23%) of respondents are taking medicine or receiving treatment from a doctor or other health professional for a mental health condition or emotional problem. There has been a steady and significant increase in this number from a low of 7% in 2014. One-third (33%) of county residents have been “bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless” for several days or more in the previous two weeks. This is equal to the 2021 number, but much higher than the 22% recorded when the question was first asked in 2018. However, more residents are seeking and obtaining treatment for their mental health condition or emotional problem (23%) compared to only 7% in 2014.
- Many Howard County residents suffer from significant financial worries and challenges. In the past 12 months, 18% of respondents worried “often” or “sometimes” that their food would run out before they had the money to buy more, a slight increase from the 16% recorded in the 2021 survey. Fourteen percent said their food did run out “often” or “sometimes” (a question not asked in the previous survey). Taken together, a net of 20% of respondents indicated food insecurity by answering “often” or “sometimes” to one or both of these questions.
- Chronic health issues persist and appear to be worsening in Howard County. Based on the height and weight that they reported in the survey, almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents are either overweight (35%) or obese (28%). The share of the adult population who are overweight or obese has increased from 56% in 2012 and 2014, to 60% in 2016, plateauing to 63% in 2018.
- There is some good news on lowered cigarette smoking rates and widespread physical activity, but other health behaviors have shown a decline. Smoking cigarettes appears to be decreasing. The number who report smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their entire life is now 20%, down from 25% in the two previous surveys, and down further from an average of 28% across three earlier surveys dating to 2012.
“These survey results highlight both progress and growing challenges in our community’s health. While it’s encouraging to see declines in smoking and increased access to mental health treatment, we must address rising concerns like healthcare access, financial hardship, and chronic disease. Our goal is to work collaboratively to ensure every resident has the resources they need to live a healthy, stable life.” commented Howard County Health Officer, Dr. Maura J. Rossman.
“Since 2019, we have prioritized expansion of impactful programs and services focused on meeting the physical, mental, social, and economic health needs of our residents,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “As we continue to move forward, the findings of this survey will help guide us towards ensuring we are addressing the areas of concern to so our residents can achieve the best quality of life and continue to live, work, play, learn, grow, and thrive.”
“As a hospital, we see firsthand how barriers to health care coverage force patients to delay or forego treatment. Without proper coverage or a primary doctor, patients wait longer for care, leading to more complex health issues that impact the hospital’s patient flow. Access should never stand between our patients and the quality of care they deserve,” said Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center President M. Shafeeq Ahmed, M.D.
“The findings from the Howard County Health Assessment Survey serve as a call to action for all of us. While progress has been made in some areas, the emerging difficulties in health care access, mental health and financial strain cannot be ignored. The survey underscores that racial inequities play a significant role in determining access to and quality of health care, highlighting the urgent need to address these disparities. Horizon Foundation is committed to working with community partners to ensure that every resident has access to the care, support and resources they need to thrive. A healthier community benefits us all and it’s our responsibility to take meaningful steps toward lasting solutions.” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, President & CEO of the Horizon Foundation.
"Columbia Association (CA) is committed to every aspect of our community's wellness," CA President/CEO Shawn MacInnes said. "It is particularly concerning to see data that shows that our community continues to face growing challenges associated with mental health and isolation. Engaging in physical activity and being around others is proven to have positive impacts on how we feel. From working out at a fitness club to traversing pathways in nature to meeting your neighbors at your local pool to discovering a new hobby at a pickleball course or ceramics studio, we hope CA continues to be a resource for social connection and movement that makes a difference in your life."
Partner organizations are distilling the data and developing initiatives and strategies to address areas of improvement specifically related to their areas of expertise.
The detailed 2024 HCHAS survey and previous years’ surveys may be found on the Health Department’s Reports & Data page under Howard County Health Assessment Survey.