Join the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for the General Membership Meeting on "The Status of Health in DeKalb County and its Impact on Economic Development."

A panel of health and medical professionals moderated by Stephen Vault, Ph.D, Director, Business Development and Strategic Planning, Grady Health System, will discuss health issues facing DeKalb County based on demographics, steps the public can take to improve their quality of life, and the effect of health on economic growth. 

Speakers include Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, District Health Director and CEO of the DeKalb County Board of Health, who will present for attendees the status of health in DeKalb County and its impact on economic development. Dr. Ford will join the panel discussion along with John Shelton, President and CEO, DeKalb Medical; Susan Bertonaschi, Director, Health Promotion and Healthy Beginnings, United Way of Greater Atlanta; Heather Hamby, Executive Associate Dean and Chief Operating Officer for Emory University School of Medicine.

Health Statistics in DeKalb County

• Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in DeKalb County.
• Women had higher rates of high blood pressure and stroke deaths than men, but lower rates of hypertensive and obstructive heart disease deaths than men.
• Males have higher rates of cancer in comparison to females, particularly colon and lung cancers. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among females.
• The diabetes morbidity rate increased by 23 percent and diabetes mortality increased by 70 percent.
• The rate of homicide deaths among males was seven times the rate of females and highest among black males ages 20 to 29.