Wake Extends Deadline on Community Needs Survey to July 31

7/13/2006

Wake County is extending its deadline for citizens to complete the Community Needs Assessment Survey to July 31. The County, through its Human Services department, is using targeted focus groups and a survey to gain as much input from the public as possible about their economic, health, safety and quality of life concerns.

The 2006 Community Assessment Survey is available online at www.wakegov.com. Paper copies in English and Spanish are also available at libraries across Wake County.

"We want to encourage everyone to complete the survey and to encourage family members, friends and colleagues to also go online to let us know what issues they feel are important," said Gibbie Harris, Wake County Community Health Director. "Every four years the State of North Carolina asks local health departments to conduct community assessments so we know how to target our prevention and intervention efforts and resources."

For Wake County, the 2006 assessment goes beyond physical health to include mental, economic and environmental health concerns as well as safety and lifelong learning.

It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey. Wake County hopes to have 7,000 surveys completed by the end of the month. The original deadline was July 15. Once the surveys and focus groups are completed, the feedback will be analyzed and put into a report, which includes population data and trends along with current local health statistics. A panel of community members will come together to develop a plan of action to address the priorities identified through the assessment.

"This report is a living, used document," Harris said. "That’s why it’s so important for everyone to take the survey. The information is used within the community to address ongoing needs."

The final report is scheduled to be completed and available to the public in November. For more information, call 250-4549 or 250-1159.

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