Child care, housing, mental health and substance use are among significant issues revealed in a recent community survey conducted by Healthy Sheboygan County. The survey was collected from phone calls, online, and was supplemented through interviews and listening sessions, revealing significant areas in need of improvement.
45 percent of those responding said that they couldn’t afford child care, with the cost demanding 30% of median Sheboygan County household income. That compares with 28% statewide, and 27% among the nation as a whole. 36 percent reported an absence of child care resources.
Meeting monthly rent was a problem for 33% of respondents, while 29% of mortgage holders said they had issues with their costs. 15% said they were in need of permanent housing. Other issues included overcrowding, and a lack of kitchen or plumbing facilities.
Alcohol use was responsible for 573 hospital ER visits based on 2021 data, and annual opioid deaths rose from 12 in 2019 to 27 in 2022.
Hunger was another area of concern with 25% of County high school students saying they experienced hunger at home from food shortages in the previous 30 days.
A “Call to Action” session to address the issues is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. on Monday, March 4th at the UWGB Sheboygan Campus Theater.
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