MANATEE -- Manatee County ranks 20th of 67 Florida counties for health outcomes, representing how healthy a county's population is based on mortality and morbidity, according to a study.

The county ranked 23rd among 67 for health factors, those items that influence one's health, such as behavioral, economic and environmental factors, according to the study compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Local health care expert Jennifer Bencie, M.D., cites the rankings when discussing whether voters should increase the county sales tax by a half-cent to finance indigent health care.

"I believe we all want to aim higher in regard to our county's health," said Bencie, administrator of the Manatee County Health Department. She urged the commission last week to put the question before voters in a referendum.

Part of what makes a healthy local population is access to quality medical care, she noted, adding, "There is a large population in Manatee County that cannot afford such luxuries."

The Manatee County Commission did vote 4-3 to put the question on the ballot during a special election June 18.

The discussion Tuesday also highlighted a central question of the debate: How do Manatee County citizens rate in access and quality of health care when compared with other areas?

Two nearby counties, Sarasota and Hillsborough, have already instituted special health-care funding mechanisms.

Compared to Manatee's 20th ranking statewide for

health outcomes, such as premature death, Hillsborough ranked 32nd, and Sarasota ranked third, according to Christine Clayton, communications associate for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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Numbers tell the story of Manatee County's health care picture