Williamson County Health Equity Zones
What are Health Equity Zones?
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), health equity “means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.” Health equity is a critical factor that contributes to the economic prosperity, safety, and security of all county residents. As of 2018, Williamson County ranked in the top three healthiest counties in Texas for the eighth consecutive year. Overall, quality of life ranks high. Despite being the third healthiest county in Texas, disparities in health and wellness continue to persist. The Community Health Assessment (CHA) Task Force identified five Health Equity Zones in Williamson County. Health Equity Zones are census tract areas in the county that tend to have higher than average health risks and burdens.
Breaking Down the Zones
-
Zip Codes: 78626, 78628 -
Zip Codes: 76527, 76537, 76511, 76530 -
Zip Code: 76574 -
Zip Code: 78664 -
Zip Codes: 78642, 78613
Supporting Data
Top 5 Health Priorities
The 2019 Williamson County Community Health Assessment identified new Top 5 Five Health Priorities for 2020–2022 in Williamson County, TX. Behavioral health, stress, and well-being (with a focus on decreasing poor mental health, stress, and substance abuse) remain the #1 health priority in the county. Access to and affordability of healthcare (with a focus on increasing dental care and improving access to affordable health insurance for vulnerable populations) and chronic disease risk factors (with a focus on increasing healthy food access and physical activity) continue to remain in the top five. Social determinants of health (with a focus on increasing affordable and safe housing, access to transportation, and workforce development) is a new health priority for the county. These priorities highlight the need to build capacity in the county to tackle issues that require long-term solutions. Lastly, the CHA Task Force identified “Building a resilient Williamson County” as the #5 health priority of the county. Recent research and public health evidence have shown the impact of community resiliency on the health and wellness of a community and the necessity of this priority to improving the other four health priorities.
