(Credit: StockSnap / Pixabay.com)
Data from the assessment will be used to develop a collaborative, transparent, and long-term Community Health Improvement Plan
(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Public Health (OPH) is asking residents to participate in its first Community Health Assessment survey. The assessment will collect, review, and analyze data that is currently available about health issues affecting residents, as well as experiences and other factors that influence health and wellness. A confidential survey, along with community focus groups, will also be conducted to obtain more details on critical community health issues.
“Montgomery County OPH has worked with a steering committee of 15 community partners and representatives from the Montgomery County Planning Commission and HHS offices to identify health priorities in communities in which they live, work, pray, and play,” said Christina Miller, administrator for the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health. “Concerns like stress, mental health, and wellbeing, and ability to navigate health systems were some of the health priorities identified. Data from the surveys will help us understand our residents’ perspectives and experiences in each of these priority areas.”
Included in the assessment will be demographic questions and questions about quality of life, health behaviors, experiences that affect health, socioeconomic and environmental conditions that contribute to health, and community resources, stories, and perspectives.
The survey is available in several languages via the web, along with paper copies at community partner sites throughout the County.
The survey results will be used to assess, prioritize, and address critical community needs with a Community Health Improvement Plan designed to enhance conditions and community assets that support health and wellness. The plan will be a collaborative, community-wide, long-term effort and will be shared with residents.
“We have engaged a wide range of community partners throughout the county to help ensure that every Montgomery County resident can participate,” said Dr. Tamra Williams, director of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. “It is critical that every voice is heard in this process and that every resident can achieve their best possible health.”
To take the survey and for more information about the Community Health Assessment, visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/CHA or contact Kristi Goodwin at [email protected].
ABOUT MONTGOMERY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES' OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health (OPH) provides public health services and fosters collaborative actions that empower communities to improve their health and safety.
