The Prevention and Planning Unit uses local data and evidence-based best practices to address individual, social and environmental factors that underlie and contribute to chronic disease in Mendocino County. Our goal is to address factors that impact whole populations in order to reach large numbers of people before the onset of chronic conditions or to lessen the severity of these conditions. Along with "population-based" prevention, we also address specific risk factors including, tobacco use, addictive behaviors, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and arthritis.

When most people consider chronic disease, they think about heart disease, cancer, etc., We recognize that alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse is also a chronic illness affecting many individuals, families and communities in our county. We, therefore, also place an emphasis on preventing and reducing substance abuse.

AOD prevention, with young people, emphasizes assets such as self-esteem, positive relationships and a sense of purpose. We also work to change environments and community practices so that they discourage substance use/abuse and encourage healthy choices. In addition to an array of programs and services, prevention strategies often include advocating (along with community partners) for organizational, community or county policies that promote the public’s health. The Prevention And Planning Unit collaborates with other Health and Human Services Agency and school/community programs to extend and enhance services and policy initiatives.

Health Impact Assessment of Alcohol Outlet Density in Mendocino County

The number of alcohol outlets per community (outlet density) is an indicator of readily available alcohol to the public and an indicator of overall alcohol consumption. The Public Health Prevention & Planning Unit looked at the relationship between the number of outlets and four measures of crime and harm. The evidence shows that a high density of outlets corresponds with a proportional increase in alcohol related violence, underage drinking, unprotected sex and driving after drinking. The number of alcohol outlets in Mendocino County per capita is over twice the average in the State of California. However, there are many steps communities can take to reduce the harms associated with high alcohol outlet density. Success stories from other communities can help lead the way to implement tools and policies at the local level.

• Alcohol Outlets and Our Community  View report    /  View executive summary  

Research Brief on The Retail Food Landscape in Mendocino County

Unhealthy diets are associated with overweight, obesity, and a host of chronic diseases. Research suggests that people living in neighborhoods with more fast food restaurants and convenience stores, and fewer grocery stores or produce vendors have higher rates of obesity and diabetes. Community Health Services found that there are two fast food restaurants or convenience stores for every one grocery store or produce vendor in the county as a whole while Fort Bragg has 2.1, Ukiah has 4.3 and Willits has 5.2. Not everyone has equal access to sources of healthier foods. Many communities across the nation are making changes to improve access to healthy foods, so that the healthy choice becomes easier to make. (View the complete research brief )

Links

1. Prevention and Planning Unit Brochure (.pdf)
2. Parent Resource Guide
3. www.ruralmurals.org
4. www.stopteendrinking.org
5. Ukiah Walks (Brochure) - Route Maps:
   1. Low Gap
   2. Observatory Park
   3. Todd Grove
   4. Ukiah Alleys

Location and Contact Information

1120 South Dora Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 472-2611

Updated October 2011

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