Highlights of the CHNA Report for the Hazleton Region

Mortality and quality of life

The most recent report indicates survival rates in Luzerne County for some life-threatening chronic illnesses have improved since 2013. Specifically, there has been an improvement in stroke and coronary heart disease deaths. In all other leading causes of death, including cancer and diabetes, Luzerne County has worsened since the last reporting period. Luzerne County ranks low in the categories of length and quality of life when compared to other Pennsylvania counties. There is an opportunity to enhance the prevention of illness and disease in the Hazleton area and, within LVHN, to invest in strategies that reduce suffering and promote health.

Social and environmental influences on health 

Access to quality health care is only one of the factors that contributes to the health of a population. The County Health Rankings model (shown above) shows that health behaviors, the physical environment and socio-economic factors also are powerful predictors of health, illness and health care utilization. For this reason, this report provides an assessment of factors such as income, air quality, transportation, tobacco and alcohol use, and sexual relations, in addition to the quality and availability of health care in the area. 

Note: The page numbers listed below correspond to the Hazleton CHNA report. 

Population (page 8)
The Hazleton area is diverse and rapidly changing. Since 2000, the Hazleton area has experienced dramatic changes in population, including both population growth and loss.

  • Not only did the number of residents in the Hazleton area change dramatically from 2000 to 2010, but the racial and ethnic composition of the population also changed during that time.
  • Population loss was primarily among white non-Hispanics. Population increases were primarily among Hispanics, as well as people in “Other Race” or “Multiple Race” categories.
  • Hazleton has many new families with children under the age of 17 who are primarily concentrated in areas of the city where the most substantial population increases have taken place.
  • Language differences abound in Hazleton. It has a significant population with limited English proficiency, even when compared to other regions. 

Work and the economy (page 13)
Hazleton is in an area rich with interstate transportation resources that have made it a hub for logistics, warehousing and transportation industries. The plentiful low skilled jobs available in the industrial parks that surround Hazleton have attracted low skilled job seekers, which have contributed to Hazleton’s significant population growth.

  • Many employers in the Hazleton area depend on a temporary, seasonal workforce. This results in many residents cycling through similar temporary jobs at different local companies at regular, short-term intervals.
  • Although this results in relatively consistent employment opportunities, it also contributes to instability, stress and limited ability to work full time with benefits. Ultimately, this is a contributor to a population of working poor who are unable to meet their basic needs.

How people live (pages 15-19)

  • Health insurance is an important key to accessing health care.
    • Although similar percentages of people are working in the Hazleton area compared to other regions, large numbers of workers still rely on safety net services such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • Housing-related problems can be a significant source of stress and a barrier to a healthier life.
    • Hazleton has a higher percentage of occupied housing units that are classified as “substandard.”
  • Education has a positive effect on health.
    • Adults living in Hazleton are less educated than other adults in Luzerne County or Pennsylvania.
    • Focus group participants attributed this disparity in education in Hazleton to the limited opportunities for economic social mobility, combined with the poor quality of life in the area.
    • The language barrier in the Hazleton area is significant, but focus group participants identified education as the key to addressing it.

Healthy behaviors (pages 20-23)
Individual behaviors and choices affect health.

  • People in Luzerne County are less physically active than the Pennsylvania average, but are similar to national averages.
  • The number of overweight and obesity adults in Luzerne County remains significant.
  • There is a high number of adult smokers and individuals who engage in binge or regular heavy drinking in Luzerne County.

Healthy relationships (pages 24-26)
Having a sense of belonging and strong social ties help protect against health risks.

  • The increase of the drug trade in Hazleton, coupled with existing poverty in the area, has brought with it an increase in violent crime.
  • Luzerne County has fewer social associations than the state. Since 2012, however, collaborative efforts across disciplines and inclusion of a diversity of people have started a variety of new social associations.
  • Adding social support, mentorship and bilingual education were all ideas suggested by focus group participants to create a resilient, educated young population with the language, academic and social skills necessary to create a healthier future for themselves and Hazleton.

Access to health care (pages 28-33)

  • There are primary care practitioners available. However, there remains a shortage of primary care practitioners – particularly in pediatrics – who can meet the linguistic, cultural and logistical needs of the community, as well as a shortage in specialty care areas.
  • Hazleton and Luzerne County suffer from a shortage of mental health providers and services, including substance abuse counseling and treatment.
  • The mental health burden is significant, with both youth and elders reporting feeling depressed or receiving treatment for depression.
  • Luzerne County’s diabetic monitoring trends have improved over time.
  • One in four pregnant women in Luzerne County receive late or no prenatal care during their pregnancy, which is similar to the Lehigh Valley region.

Creating action plans

Hazleton region
To identify priority areas, a careful assessment was done to match the community’s needs with existing LVHN community and population health initiatives. The following priority areas have been identified for the Hazleton region:

  • Cancer mortality rates
  • Cardiac mortality rates
  • Diabetes care
  • Improved access to care
  • Low rates of social association

There were common needs identified in the reports from both the Hazleton and Lehigh Valley areas that can be supported by collaboration within LVHN:

  • Social isolation
  • Health equity, language and culture
  • Education
  • Violence

Through September 2016, action plans will be created to expand programs, improve access and reliability of services, and measure the impact.