As part of a State Budget and Appropriations Subcommittee, you have been charged with reviewing health data of local health jurisdictions and establishing priorities for funding for the upcoming fiscal year.
After reviewing the following information
Eagle Rock County San Marino County Baldwin County
Population
2,490,653 299,658 250,765
>65 years 372,166 99,885 2,857
Total Population 2,862,819 399,543 253,622
Number of Deaths
4955 900 1854
>65 yrs 9,845 3,700 455
Total Deaths 14,800 4,600 2,309
Cause of Death
Coronary Heart Disease 6,200 1,800 790
Cancer 3,300 1,000 429
Homicide 3,100 800 450
Motor Vehicle Accident 2,200 1,000 640
Case Assignment
1. Calculate and compare the crude and age-specific death rates for each of the three counties (refer to the information Crude, Specific, and Adjusted Rates in the module homepage). Based on the crude death rate, which county appears to have the greatest need for funding? Does the age-specific death rate change your view regarding which county has a greater need for funding? Explain. Why is it possible to have a low crude rate and higher age-specific death rates?
2. Calculate and compare the cause-specific death rates (Use the information at http://www.pitt.edu/~super1/lecture/lec0441/001.htm from your background readings). For this, combine data from all counties. Based on the data provided, what do you think are the main health priorities?