County Health Rankings Show Mixed Results for E. Central Illinois

Newly-released health rankings offer a mixed bag for east central Illinois counties.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin, has released County Health Rankings for the state of Illinois, which rank the 102 Illinois counties according to a variety of health factors and outcomes.

Champaign County ranked relatively high on the list, at 26th in the state; but Vermilion County fared much lower, at 95th.

Vermilion County Health Department Public Health Administrator Shirley Hicks suggests leaders and the public should use the information in the rankings to "build a healthier community."

Douglas County received the 7th highest ranking in the state, by far the best among East Central Illinois counties.

A wide range of measurements determine the rankings - they include access to medical care, graduation rates, unemployment, crime rates, air quality, and access to healthy foods, among many other factors.

This is the third year these rankings have been released.