HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Commissioner Director Zach Rich recently announced that Hunterdon County has again received independent verification that the county is one of the healthiest places to live.
“Overall, New Jersey is ranked higher in health outcomes than the national average, and it is always rewarding to have third party independent verification that our county is at the top of the list for being the safest, best, and healthiest place to live and work within the state,” Rich said.
The ranking is compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute with support provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It provides local communities with data on more than 90 health-influencing factors such as housing, education, jobs, and access to quality health care.
Hunterdon County is at the top of the list, followed by Morris, Bergen, Sussex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Union, Ocean, and Hudson, in the top 10.
One of the leading factors in Hunterdon’s selection as the healthiest county, is due to the high rate of county residents that have a primary care physician (PCP).
A strong emphasis on preventative care allows for PCPs to focus on prevention, wellness, and properly managed care.
This partnership between patient and physician helps build strong relations across the board. Rich said, “The top ranking earned by our County is a testament to our residents, the local availability and access to quality health care, strong environmental stewardship and availability of open space and recreational opportunities. Congratulations are due to not only the Health Department, but also to the many who help to keep the county healthy, particularly the Hunterdon Medical Center, our many health care providers around the county, our school leaders, and many others. I encourage all to keep up the great work.”
