Community of Excellence - Saratoga Hospital

Obesity is a condition when a person has a body mass index (BMI) of over 30.

Why does it matter?

Obesity can affect one’s physical and mental health. People who are obese are more likely to have diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, screening for obesity is important to identify those who may be at risk for health problems related to weight.

So far in 2024, 29 percent of residents in Saratoga County have a BMI of 30 or greater.

An overdose death occurs when a toxic amount of a drug or drugs poisons the body causing death. The overdose rate is the number of overdose deaths per 100,000 population.

Why does it matter?

The suicide rate is the number of suicide deaths per 100,000 people in a population. In Saratoga County, there's been a 43 percent increase in suicide over the last 10 years.

Why does it matter?

Food insecurity is the percentage of the population who do not have sufficient access to food.

Why does it matter?

When residents are food insecure, available food sources tend to be unhealthy and lacking in nutrients. A diet low in nutrients can lead to long-
term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancers. Food Is Medicine initiatives in our food pantries and community farms are programs that increase access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with reduced intake of sodium and sugar to reduce food insecurity and
associated health care costs.

In 2024, 16,716 residents in Saratoga County have struggled with food insecurity. This accounts for 7 percent of the county's population, according to the 2022 census.

Mental Health Days is a measure that reports the average number of mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days.

Why does it matter?

Self reported health status, such as mental health, is important because it helps to reflect the experience of residents including those with disabilities and/or chronic conditions. One's mental health can significantly impact overall health, job or school performance, habits, behaviors, and overall lived experience.

In 2024 in Saratoga County, the mental health day rate is 4.8 percent. In 2022, 2,244 individuals were admitted into the Saratoga Hospital ER for behavioral health concerns.

Graduation Completion is the number of residents 25 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Why does it matter?

Having a high school diploma or equivalent increases access to skilled jobs and job training programs. Financial independence through employment can significantly impact health and well being. Early learning opportunities in schools, supportive learning environments and creative collaborations with community partners can put children on a path for success.

• In 2024, 94 percent of the county has a high school diploma
• In 2024, 81 percent of economically disadvantaged youth in the county have a high school diploma
• In 2024, 60 percent of homeless youth have a high school diploma

The DATW metric is the percentage of the workforce that drive alone to work.

Why does it matter?

Driving alone to work can impact the health of individual residents and a community. The more people who drive alone in cars increases environmental stress. Individuals with a variety of commuting options such as walking, biking, public transportation and carpooling can be more active and have access to health, education and job opportunities.

In 2024, 78 percent of Saratoga County residents drive alone to work.

The Living Wage Calculator made by MIT figures out how much money people need to make to cover their basic needs in different places in the United States. It estimates the living wage through many factors like housing, food, health care, transportation, taxes, and other economic influences in Saratoga County.

Why does it matter?

The living wage reflects the income needed to allow individuals and families to not only meet their basic needs but to thrive. This means having sufficient income to satisfy standard living expenses within a region. Having extra income allows residents to be an active part of the community, increases access to healthier food choices, educational opportunities and housing options.

In 2024, $56.59 per hour is the living wage for one adult and two children in Saratoga County. $15 per hour is the minimum wage in Saratoga County.