Over the next several weeks, residents will have the opportunity to help the Henderson County Department of Public Health identify the most critical health issues in our community. A national research firm will conduct phone surveys with approximately 200 individuals in the area between March and June of this year. The confidential survey will ask questions about residents’ health status, behaviors, and experiences.
As the survey process begins, the Health Department hopes area residents will take an active role. “We want to encourage everyone to participate if they’re called. This is the public’s opportunity to help us determine where the greatest needs exist and seek ways to improve health for all residents,” said Camden Stewart, Community Health Improvement Specialist.
Community members who are not selected at random by the phone survey are encouraged to provide feedback electronically. The survey is available online in English and Spanish and can be accessed at www.prcsurvey.com/begin/WNC2021 until May 31.
Henderson County is part of a larger effort taking place across Western North Carolina to better understand the health of our region, through a collaboration titled WNC Healthy Impact (www.wnchn.org). Data collected during this regional initiative represents a broad look at health, including demographics, socioeconomics, health status, health disparities, health behavior, clinical care, physical environment, and quality of life.
The Henderson County Partnership for Health, a coalition of community organizations supporting collective efforts to advance health, provides backbone support to the community health assessment locally. Following the data collection and prioritization, action teams are formed under the guidance of the Partnership to address the County’s top health priorities over the next three years.
In addition to the survey, there will be opportunities for community members to engage with the community health assessment later this year including listening sessions, and a community forum.
To participate in the community health assessment or for more information related to community health in Henderson County, visit www.hendersoncountync.gov/health/page/community-data or contact Camden Stewart at cspade@hendersoncountync.gov.
