List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sept. 16, 17 and 18, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI) conducted a study that ranked various counties throughout the country based on their overall health and longevity. The attached stories focus on Fayette and Greene counties and how they are ranked, the reaction from local leaders and what can be done to improve the rankings. While Fayette County was ranked 65 and Greene County was ranked 66 out of 67, community leaders felt confident that by changing the health habits of local residents, the counties could achieve a higher ranking.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Resources that were used for the stories included interviews, access to the actual study, and medical and government websites.
Explain types of human sources used.
Karen Odegarrd, community engagement specialist at University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI); Nancy Glad, business network specialist for Fay-Penn’s Buy Local program; Bob Junk, local economy manager at Fay-Penn; Erica Usher, prevention supervisor for Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission; Karen DeiCas, director of development and community affairs at Uniontown Hospital; Joy Eggleston, senior public affairs officer at Southwest Regional Medical Center in Waynesburg;
Results:
In order for the counties to improve their rankings they need to minimize the number of adults who smoke, reduce the cases of adult obesity, improve the high school graduation rate, have less children in poverty and provide better access to healthy foods.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
None.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
The best advice I have to other journalists working on a similar piece is to gather information from a wide number of sources and to conduct a lot of research.