2010 MCHENRY COUNTY KEY INFORMANTS

1. 2010MCHENRY COUNTY KEY INFORMANTS 2010 McHenry County Healthy Community Study Health Systems Research University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford April 13, 2011

2. Methodology • The Healthy Community Steering Committee selected 38 key informants who are considered local experts in education, government, human services, or business • The questions were comparable to those asked in 2006

3. Methodology • A training in interviewing and reporting techniques for LGMC interviewers by HSR staff took place prior to the beginning of the study • In-person interviews were conducted in December 2010 & January 2011 by pairs of LGMC interviewers • 34 out of 38 key informants (89.5%) completed the interview

4. Best Aspects2010 vs. 2006 Similar themes between years: • Rural-suburban living • Family-friendly • Abundant social services Fewer mentions in 2010: • Cultural diversity • Approachability of local politicians • Fast-paced growth of county

5. Groups Needing Increased Community Attention • Latinos (14) • Seniors (9) • Low-income/working poor (8) • Mentally ill/substance abusers (8) • Developmentally disabled adults (6) • Homeless (6) • Unemployed/underemployed (5)

6. Groups Needing Increased Community Attention • Latinos: Respect, good paying jobs,bilingual agency staff, English instruction, food, affordable - housing, education, medical care, transportation • Seniors: More capacity in service system, transportation, activities for active seniors, affordable housing, assisted living, nursing homes

7. Groups Needing Increased Community Attention • Low income/working poor: Compassion, good paying jobs, emergency services, education, affordable – housing, healthcare, dental care, daycare, transportation • Mentally ill/substance abusers: Crisis care, crisis respite, outpatient services, transportation, youth day programs, positive role models for youth, inpatient services – detox, substance abuse, adolescent

8. Groups Needing Increased Community Attention • DD Adults: Housing (group homes, supportive apartments), jobs, transportation, affordable services, caregiver emotional support • Homeless: Affordable housing, transportation, job training, mental health services, emergency assistance, acceptance of affordable housing in neighborhoods

9. Groups Needing Increased Community Attention • Unemployed/underemployed: Good paying jobs, affordable health and dental care, affordable daycare, transportation, job retraining

10. Groups Needing Increased Community Attention2010 vs. 2006 More mentions in 2010: • Unemployed/underemployed New to top groups in 2010: • Developmentally disabled adults Fewer mentions in 2010: • Children & youth • Single parents • Victims of domestic violence

11. Health & Human Service Delivery System Strengths: • Spirit of collaboration, cooperation • Employees – dedicated, knowledgeable • Variety of services • Good reputations in community • Minimal competition • Collaborate to avoid duplication

12. Health & Human Service Delivery System Weaknesses, Gaps, Barriers: • Lack of public awareness of services, resources • Absence of centralized database • Declines in all sources of funding • Scarcity of bilingual employees • Limited public transportation • Residents unable to afford services • Stigma associated with using services

13. Health & Human Service Delivery System Duplication: • Mental Health Board and United Way encourage collaboration, not duplication • FQHC expansion into McHenry mentioned as duplication

14. Health & Human Service Delivery System Improvements: • Integrate modern equipment and technology to streamline operations • Use electronic media for training, CE, coordination of care • Additional resource sharing • Centralized information system linking public needs with available services • 211 Info/Referral line will address this?

15. Health & Human ServicesDelivery System2010 vs. 2006 • Discussions about the system were very similar between 2010 and 2006

16. Biggest Challenges Facing McHenry County • Develop public transportation system (13) • Attract good paying jobs (11) • Improve access to affordable housing (9) • Encourage economic growth (7) • Protect the environment (6)

17. Biggest Challenges FacingMcHenry County Growth & Development: • Growth has come to a halt • Assure preservation of open spaces when growth and development resume • Monitor integrity of water supply

18. Biggest Challenges FacingMcHenry County Transportation & Roads: • Need an affordable, reliable, expansive public transportation system • Better maintenance of area roads and bridges, but lack of funding is a challenge

19. Biggest Challenges FacingMcHenry County Education System: • More creative use of shrinking funding for education • Need 4-year college in the county • More vocational training in schools

20. Biggest Challenges FacingMcHenry County Job Development/Retention: • Need creative incentives to attract innovative companies with good paying jobs • Also need semi-skilled jobs • More job training, internship programs, mentoring

21. Biggest Challenges FacingMcHenry County Environmental Issues: • Continue to balance growth and retain the rural environment • Groundwater preservation • Protect farmland

22. Biggest Challenges Facing McHenry County2010 vs. 2006 Different focus in 2010: • Transportation related to maintenance of existing roads and bridges in 2010, rather than expanding roads to alleviate congestion and traffic jams in 2006 Fewer mentions in 2010: • Impact of growth on county’s resources • Overcrowding in schools • Rising property taxes