Population health considerations are integrated into all community planning efforts.
Percent of Brown County households with adequate broadband access.
Current Value
87%
Definition
American Community Survey, 5-year estimates
The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities with a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau's reengineered decennial census program. The ACS collects and produces population and housing information every year instead of every ten years, and publishes both one-year and five-year estimates. The County Health Rankings use American Community Survey data to obtain measures of social and economic factors.
Story Behind the Curve
There is a growing body of research which shows that access to high quality internet or broadband is a key factor in health. County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, classifies broadband as a "super determinant of health" because of its impacts on education access, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and social connectedness*.
Locally, Brown County leaders are working to identify and address gaps in broadband access. The County Executive and Brown County Board of Supervisors have formed the Rural Broadband Subcommittee and have engaged in broadband mapping in partnership with NEW North, Inc., a regional economic development entity. This study, conducted in the Northeast Wisconsin region, has set the goal of identifying gaps and prioritizing investment in broadband expansion regionally. To review the Brown County findings, please click here.
More information about broadband efforts in Brown County can be found here: Brown County Broadband Resources
Identifying opportunities to amplify this work and advocate within this space, and demonstrating the high importance of broadband access as it relates to telehealth and access to healthcare is a stated priority of the Beyond Health Collaborative within this CHIP cycle.
*Source: https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/online-and-on-air/webinars/broadband-a-super-determinant-of-health
Partners
A number of key stakeholders have been engaging in broadband mapping and expansion efforts locally:
- Brown County government
- NEW North, Inc.
- Various internet and broadband providers
- WI Governor's Taskforce on Broadband Access
What Works
Free/Achievable Ideas:
- Digital Equity and Inclusion Committees
- Link with and amplify other community initiatives
- Brown County Broadband Access Initiative - advocacy around equity in implementation
Innovative Ideas:
- Infrastructure investment/development
- Broadband Access Policy Advocacy
- Expansion on pilots being implemented in Oconto (SpaceX)
Strategy
Strategies for prioritization in 2023 include:
Advocacy Efforts:
- Support initiatives around equitable broadband infrastructure development and resource allocation in Brown County
- Highlight emerging areas of public health concern and advocate for resources and awareness as appropriate
- Workforce development advocacy
Actionable Strategies:
- Telehealth development (healthcare-specific requests) and reimbursement policies to support telehealth
- Address licensure delays and impacts on healthcare access
Cross-Cutting Strategies:
- Establish regular reporting structure and meeting cadence
- Establish tracking mechanism for advocacy and actionable wins
- Gap assessment
- Emerging public health needs assessments
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