GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. — We're taking a closer look at Gadsden County and its eye-opening ranking as fifth out of the least healthiest counties in Florida.
This year's County Health Rankings Report shows stark differences across Florida counties in the opportunity to afford a home, especially for those with low incomes and people of color. In Gadsden County, 55 percent of the population is African American and in terms of health, the county isn't doing well. The question is why?
"We do suffer from a high poverty rate and we have a higher unemployment rate than some of the other counties in the state, I think we are in the bottom third, but some of that is from Hurricane Michael," said Beth Cicchetti, Executive Director of Gadsden County Development Council.
There are many reasons why people are unhealthy and many of the factors are linked, such as the cycle of unemployment and poverty, plus a lack of affordable housing and little access to healthy food options.
The Gadsden County Development Council is trying to change this by bringing in new businesses to create more jobs. The non-profit says its work brings infrastructure and talent development grants.
"We've brought in $1.4 million to extend utilities to the sites where businesses can locate and to help improve education and talent development for the county," said Cicchetti.
So what about the need for affordable housing in Gadsden County?
"I think we have a good stock of housing here. I think every community is suffering right now from affordable housing, but we are already seeing developers who want to come into the community and provide affordable housing," said Cicchetti.
Education officials say it all starts with job training.
"You have an income that allows you to buy decent housing and make healthy food choices and good health choices for your children, overall you will find improvement," said Sylvia Jackson, Executive Director of Gadsden Technical School.
The Gadsden County Development Council says there has been success in all six municipalities and they work with the cities on community development issues, but it is a work in progress, and nothing happens overnight.
"We are working towards improving the statistics for Gadsden County and the opportunities for the citizens every day," said Cicchetti.
The Gadsden County Development Council recommends that people who are looking for jobs reach out to CareerSource Capital Region.
This resource can help job seekers upgrade their skills in hopes of growing their careers.
