CLARKSTON - A health report shows some alarming statistics in Asotin County. Among them, a little over 30 percent of expecting mothers in the county smoked during pregnancy. This is compared to only ten percent statewide. The report includes statistics from 2002 - 2004.

When it comes to binge drinking, Asotin County has the highest incidence, with 22 percent of adults reporting drinking 4-5 drinks in one night at least once in the last 30 days.

The report shows that the county also ranked near the bottom with regard to teen cigarette smoking, with 20 percent of 10th graders reporting they had smoked in the last 30 days. Only two other counties had higher rates.

And Asotin County also is receiving a failing grade when it comes to teen drinking. 43 percent of 10th graders reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days. Again, only two other counties in the state had a higher incidence in that category.

"It became apparent that we had these large health disparities particular to Asotin County," said Pat Fowler, Public Health Nurse for the Asotin County Health District.

The data shows that Asotin County has particular challenges, especially when compared to neighboring counties. Both Whitman and Garfield counties are generally doing a better job when it comes to reducing risky behavior.

"We gathered several issues, but the first part of the data book that we collected was about smoking during pregnancy, said Fowler. "Asotin County has three times the state rate for smoking during pregnancy. The other disparity that we have in our nation and becoming worldwide too is obesity issues. Then the third issue that we worked on is our elderly population."

Asotin County is similar to other counties when it comes to rates of adult obesity. The elderly population, people who are 60 or over, is a little over 3 percent higher than the state average, standing at about 22 percent.

The Asotin County Health district is sharing the information with other county entities and using what they learn to improve county health services.

"We believe it's for several issues," said Fowler. "One thing we have is a larger amount of poverty in Asotin County. Also teen pregnancies and social-economical status. So we know in Asotin County those things are risk factors for smoking during pregnancy. Because of that, we are really working hard to reduce smoking in our area and working on things that we think we can help to make a difference in our community."

One of the ways the district is using the information is through a maternity support program.   

A pressing health care issue facing Asotin County is lack of providers. This is why the county has been designated a Primary, Dental and Mental Health Care Professional Shortage Area.

"Every week people are frustrated," said Diane Rousseau, County Public Health Nurse. "They go through the phone book and try to find a doctor, especially if they are on state medical, state medicaid. Doctors just aren't accepting new patients without insurance."

For more on the report: Asotin County Health Disparities