Wake Seeks Input from Community on Health Needs

7/5/2006

Wake County, through its Human Services Department, is conducting a Community Needs Assessment to determine what health issues rise to the biggest area of concern and need for local residents.

A survey and targeted focus group sessions are being conducted throughout July to gain as much input from the public as possible. The 2006 Community Assessment Survey is available online at www.wakegov.com/humanservices/survey.htm through July 15. Paper copies 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 fill out the survey. The information is then analyzed and put into a report, which includes information about the health of the community as it is today and about the community’s ability to improve the lives of the people who live there. After the report is completed, 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 and will include detailed demographics on each municipality, population growth and trends, and of course, health statistics.”

Wake County Human Services combines social services, public health, mental health, child support enforcement, job training and housing into one department within Wake County government. WCHS has more than 1,800 employees, or 55 percent of the County’s staff. Wake County Human Services was established through special legislation passed by the N.C. General Assembly in 1996.

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