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Do we need an Oregon Index of Health and Well-Being?

By: NWHF Staff | Posted on: May 15th, 2008 | Share:
Categories: Policies & Laws • Public Health

After all, if we want to improve health, don’t we need to measure it first?

Usually, when we want to improve something, we need to measure it first. This applies to the public’s health. The public must be informed about health and suffering if people are to become involved in improving it. If society feels disempowered to become involved in making change, people tend to “suffer alone.”  This problem can be solved if specific information is gathered, quantified, and presented to the public in a straightforward and accessible manner.

What would such an index look like? What would it measure? Would the following be appropriate indicators?

• Number of individuals treated for alcohol
• Rates of mental health illness, issues, etc.
• Rate of children admitted to foster homes.
• Rates of various types of cancer.
• Number of individuals treated for methamphetamine addiction.
• Ratio of highest-to-lowest paid employees at the five largest employers in Oregon.
• Number of requests for Wheels on Meals.
• Incidents of family violence
• Regional unemployment levels.
• Rates of vandalism in schools, parks and public spaces.

The Oregon Progress Board, in fact, has a long list of benchmarks that are intended to measure Oregon’s performance in Economy, Education, Civic Engagement, Social Support, Public Safety, Community Development, and Environment. See its list of Oregon Benchmarks.

What do you think about this list? How can it be better used as a measuring stick for Oregon’s health and well-being?