Burnett County’s number one health need is to address Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA). AODA means any use of a substance that results in negative consequences. This encompasses a broad array of mood-altering substances that include, but are not limited to, alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal mood-altering substances.

Mental/Behavioral health has been identified as Burnett County’s second health need. Mental/behavioral health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Tobacco use and exposure is Burnett County’s third health need to be addressed. Eliminating tobacco use and exposure means improving health by preventing tobacco abuse, promoting tobacco dependence treatment, protecting all people from exposure to secondhand smoke, and identifying and eliminating tobacco-related disparities.