County Ranks Sixth Healthwise in NJ

Middlesex County ranked sixth among New Jersey's 21 counties for overall health in the County Health Rankings, a study published annually by University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report provides a ranking of all counties in the state, based on health outcomes through programs, policies, and other health factors. 

Many determining factors contribute to overall health, including individual behavior, the quality of health care, education, jobs and environment. Middlesex County rose up one notch from 2011, when it placed seventh in the state. 

The County Health Rankings report can be used to mobilize the community into action to improve the quality of life through better health. In 2010, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services (MCOHS) participated in the extensive countywide human services needs assessment conducted by the Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Council, in partnership with PRAB, and Rutgers University School of Social Work.

They held five community focus groups throughout the county with the goal of establishing a comprehensive human services agenda and setting priorities and action items to ensure the quality of life for residents over the next decade. 

Earlier this year, the county extended its partnerships beyond its boundaries when it entered into a Shared Services agreement with Union County. 

Middlesex County’s Health Services Office now manages public health services for both counties.

“These are all steps we are taking to move health care forward,” said Middlesex County Freeholder H. James Polos, chairperson of the County’s Public Safety and Health Committee. “These are steps we need to take in order to best serve our citizens.”