Community Health Survey Will Help Determine New Programs, Priorities For Health Department

     The Jackson County Health Department (JACOHD) is enlisting the help of thousands of people living in Eastern Jackson County to take part in an anonymous Community Health Survey. The responses will be used to direct public health funding and plan programming throughout Eastern Jackson County to help meet community members’ identified health needs.
     Every five years, community members get a chance to weigh in on issues that matter most to them. Questions include topics such as mental health, healthcare access, quality housing, and neighborhood safety.
     According to JACOHD, the responses will allow the health department and community partners to better understand the needs of the area and strengthen the community through directed programming.
     “This survey is being conducted as part of our ongoing efforts to improve health for everyone in our community.” Bridgette Shaffer, Health Director at JACOHD said. “The previous survey’s responses helped shape health department initiatives addressing the opioid crisis, mental health, and safer infrastructure for community walkability. We rely on community members’ input to determine public health priorities for the future.”
     This month, the health department mailed out 22,000 postcards to households across Eastern Jackson County. The postcards included a unique website code for the survey, similar to the method used by the U.S. Census Bureau. Both English and Spanish versions of the survey are available. A physical copy will be mailed to those unable to take the survey online in the following weeks.
     The survey takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and answers are kept confidential. The first 1,000 responses will receive a $10 gift card. As an additional incentive, everyone who completes the survey can also enter to win a $50 gift card.
     The survey closes on April 10th. Data collected from the survey will be reported in the Jackson County Community Health Assessment, which will be published in Summer 2023. To take the survey or to learn more about the Community Health Survey, please visit www.jacohd.org/survey.