The Kane County Health Department released its 2024 Community Health Assessment, highlighting the county’s most pressing health challenges and disparities.

After months of data collection that included surveys from over 2,600 residents, focus groups and interviews, four priority areas emerged that will guide health improvement efforts:

• Behavioral health: Rising mental health concerns, substance use and limited access to affordable treatment were cited by both residents and providers.

• Access to care: Many reported cost, transportation, long wait times and provider shortages as barriers — especially for specialty and behavioral health care.

• Housing and homelessness: Affordable housing remains scarce, with shelters often full and residents facing instability despite available support services.

• Food access: While Kane County’s food insecurity rate is below state and national averages, significant racial and geographic disparities persist, particularly among Latino and Black residents.

Disparities in outcomes across racial and economic lines remain a concern, particularly in relation to food access and preventative care. Local leaders and healthcare providers are expected to play a key role in implementing the county’s forthcoming improvement plan at the neighborhood level.

Learn more and view the full report.

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