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St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health Community Health Services Plan Preliminary Problem Statements for 2000-2003 Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs 1. There is an unacceptable level of irresponsible alcohol use which causes public health problems such as unintentional injury, violence, fetal alcohol exposure and motor vehicle crashes. 2. As compared to other racial groups, there is a higher incidence of disease and death in the Native American population that is associated with alcohol use and abuse. 3. There is an increasing use of alcohol and tobacco by youth due to ease of access, marketing strategies, as well as lenient public policies, and community norms that accept this behavior. Child Growth and Development 4. An increasing number of children in Ramsey County live in poverty which increases their risk for developmental delays, physical and mental health problems, as well as intentional and unintentional injury. 5. There is a shortage of licensed child care settings to meet the needs of families, thereby placing children at risk for negative health outcomes in settings that are potentially less safe and healthy. (Chronic Non-Infectious Disease] 6. High numbers of children and adults in Ramsey County are overweight, sedentary, and have inadequate nutrition, increasing their risk for chronic disease. 7. There are more years of potential life lost due to chronic diseases in the African American and Native American populations than in the other population groups. Disability and Decreased Independences 8. There is a concern about the capacity of the 20-64 year old population to carry the dependency needs of the young and the elderly. Environmental Conditions 9. Individuals are at risk for illness due to indoor air pollutants, and lack of awareness of pollutants, such as radon, secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide and emissions from building materials. 10. There is an increased risk of foodborne illness due to improper food handling or preparation as well as a changing food supply. 11. There is a lack of data on the extent of exposure, reporting and screening for lead related health problems in children. Infectious Disease; 12. There is an increasing rate of tuberculosis in Ramsey County, while state and federal rates are decreasing. The state and federal decrease in TB cases is causing a lack of public policy and funding which could address TB prevention and treatment. 13. The Ramsey County rates for some sexually transmitted infections are higher than for the state and the nation, particularly among African American women. 14. There is a lack of preparedness for responding to emerging infectious diseases as well as biological or chemical emergencies.