1
Western Governors University
Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health—D621
, 2
Rock Island County, Illinois: Community Health Report
Understanding the social and behavioral factors that shape community health is essential
for creating fair and effective public health programs. Every community faces challenges based
on geography, population, resources, and social conditions. This report looks at the current
health status of Rock Island County, Illinois. It examines how social determinants such as
employment, education, housing, transportation, and healthcare access affect local residents'
well-being.
As a Rock Island County Health Department program coordinator, I wrote this report for
the Local Health Council to help guide decisions and direct resources. It reviews key
demographic and environmental factors, highlights health outcomes and disparities, and
identifies barriers that make it harder for people to stay healthy. The report also outlines an
evidence-based intervention to address the county's most pressing issues: food insecurity and its
connection to chronic disease.
By combining local data with community input, this report aims to strengthen Rock
Island County's ability to promote health equity and improve the quality of life for all residents.
The analysis draws on recent information from the 2024 Quad Cities Community Health Needs
Assessment, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Illinois Department of
Public Health. Together, these sources provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities
that shape health in Rock Island County and offer a foundation for change.
A. Rock Island County, Illinois
A1. Community Overview
Rock Island County is located in northwestern Illinois along the Mississippi River. It is
part of the larger Quad Cities metropolitan area, which includes Davenport and Bettendorf in
Western Governors University
Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health—D621
, 2
Rock Island County, Illinois: Community Health Report
Understanding the social and behavioral factors that shape community health is essential
for creating fair and effective public health programs. Every community faces challenges based
on geography, population, resources, and social conditions. This report looks at the current
health status of Rock Island County, Illinois. It examines how social determinants such as
employment, education, housing, transportation, and healthcare access affect local residents'
well-being.
As a Rock Island County Health Department program coordinator, I wrote this report for
the Local Health Council to help guide decisions and direct resources. It reviews key
demographic and environmental factors, highlights health outcomes and disparities, and
identifies barriers that make it harder for people to stay healthy. The report also outlines an
evidence-based intervention to address the county's most pressing issues: food insecurity and its
connection to chronic disease.
By combining local data with community input, this report aims to strengthen Rock
Island County's ability to promote health equity and improve the quality of life for all residents.
The analysis draws on recent information from the 2024 Quad Cities Community Health Needs
Assessment, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Illinois Department of
Public Health. Together, these sources provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities
that shape health in Rock Island County and offer a foundation for change.
A. Rock Island County, Illinois
A1. Community Overview
Rock Island County is located in northwestern Illinois along the Mississippi River. It is
part of the larger Quad Cities metropolitan area, which includes Davenport and Bettendorf in
