Background

Read Next in Sonoma County Summary Measures of Health 2015-2017:
Data Executive Summary

In 2017, the Department of Health Services released its first Sonoma County Summary Measures of Health. The report described life expectancy, leading causes of death, death rates, and premature mortality for the years 2013-2015 with the goal of identifying disparities to inform policy and drive prevention efforts in the community. This update to the Summary Measures of Health report focuses on life expectancy and premature death for the years 2015-2017.

Life expectancy provides a measure of the overall health and longevity of the population. Understanding the projected numbers and characteristics of Sonoma County’s aging population has implications for policy and program planning to ensure that the correct programs and supports are in place. Historically, life expectancy and disparities in length of life have served as a catalyst for important community conversations around the social, physical, and environmental factors that contribute to these differences.

Prevention and health promotion efforts can be informed by these data as well. Premature deaths are those that occur at younger ages and are therefore more likely to be preventable. Information on leading causes of premature death and the disparities that exist in the community can help inform approaches to prevent early death. Programs and policies to address lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation or healthy eating and exercise, the primary contributors to premature death, can be targeted to high-risk populations. Strategies to improve conditions in communities that support healthy behaviors and address the social, economic, and environmental factors that also contribute to premature death can be developed to focus on populations with the greatest need.