The Department of Community Health is actively promoting high blood pressure detection and control and is targeting education efforts at the African American population since this population has experienced a much higher rate of stroke. Diabetes-related deaths have remained stable and the Department of Community Health continues to educate the public and health professionals on screening and identifying individuals who are at risk for diabetes. In Michigan, the rate of teen pregnancy had increased from a rate of 88.0 in 1984 to a high of 98.5 in 1990. Since 1991, a steady decline in teen pregnancy rates has occurred, reaching a low of 77.2 in 1996. If the decline continues, the rate of teen pregnancy could be lower than projected estimates for the year 2000.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths.
In 1982, one-third of Michigan adults reported that they currently smoked cigarettes. By 1996, this number had decreased to approximately 25.6 percent of the adult population. Cancer deaths have remained somewhat stable in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Community Health continues to promote cancer screening and early detection and has planned media campaigns targeting mammography for women and urging men to talk to their doctors about prostate cancer screening.