Pike-Wayne Needs Study' wins award
Study brought new growth-related problems and health concerns to light HONESDALE A prestigious award for northeast Pennsylvania non-profits went to the organizers of the first ever Pike-Wayne Health and Human Services Needs Assessment, a landmark study released earlier this year. The study sponsors, including Wayne Memorial Hospital and commissioners of both counties, took home the Theodore “Ted” Daniels Community Development Award, a first place honor from the Northeast Pennsylvania Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC), whose service area encompasses the seven counties of northeastern Pennsylvania. “We were very honored to receive this tribute,” said Jack Dennis, manager of development for Wayne Memorial Hospital and a lead coordinator for the study. “More importantly, though,” Dennis added, “we hope it jump-starts collaboration and partnerships among nonprofit agencies and other groups to help meet our increasing health and human services needs efficiently and compassionately. Our future depends on it.” The study, a two-year grassroots project, grew out of an urgent need to set policy priorities to deal with extraordinary growth in the Wayne-Pike region. Since 1990, the dual counties’ population has reached or exceeded a 100 percent jump; by the year 2030, that number in Pike County could double, resulting in unprecedented challenges to health and human services needs. At a gathering for study participants in April, many agreed the Needs Assessment confirmed on paper what they had been observing for years. Still, there were surprises. “This is an important study,” said Rachel Hendricks, deputy director for Pike County Economic Development. “The prenatal care results really surprised me.” The survey showed only 41 percent of all Pike County mothers who gave birth began care in the first trimester. Other highlights of the study included a high rate of suicide in both counties; high rates of chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes and homicide high in Pike County; a strong need for affordable housing in Wayne County; and high rates of alcohol abuse among women in parts of Pike County. The poorest health in all six communities studied could be found in northern and central Wayne. The study also showed a strong need for youth recreational and social programs, especially in Pike County. Cherie Hammond, executive director/CEO of Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA in Dingman’s Ferry said that the camp might be willing to host such programs to help meet that need. “That’s the next stepmoving people to action,” said Dennis. The study was funded by Wayne Memorial Hospital, the Wayne and Pike County Commissioners, the Interagency Council of Pike County, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, PPL and United Way of Pike County; the data was collected by HMS Associates out of Buffalo. The study is available online at www.wmh.org .