PRIORITY 4: HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS AND EARLY DETECTION
Many leading causes of illness and premature death can be reduced through prevention, early detection and timely care. The 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment identified barriers including cost, insurance coverage and awareness of available services, highlighting opportunities to expand preventive screenings, health education, chronic disease prevention and infectious disease prevention across Washoe County.
GOAL:
By 2029, improve prevention and early detection outcomes by increasing cancer screening utilization, strengthening chronic disease management, and reducing rates of preventable infectious diseases through community education, clinical partnerships, and sustained investment in preventive health initiatives.
KEY STRATEGIES:
• STRATEGY 4.1: Increase Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection o Help more people receive recommended cancer screenings and understand when and where to get screened.
• STRATEGY 4.2: Strengthen STI Prevention and Testing o Provide STI education, prevention and testing and connect individuals to treatment when needed.
• STRATEGY 4.3: Promote Healthy Behaviors and Physical Activity o Promote physical activity and healthy behaviors that reduce chronic disease risk and support long-term health and well-being.
10