Community Health Needs Assessments enable local health care systems and public health departments to learn more about the true needs community members are facing. The assessments are traditionally done every three years and provide a roadmap for health organizations to focus their resources and talents on the greatest needs of communities.
This year, partners are working together to gather community data and insights through a well-being survey.
The survey, available in English, Hmoob and Spanish, takes about 10 minutes to complete. Anyone 18 or older living in Calumet, Green Lake, Marquette, Menominee, Shawano, Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara or Winnebago counties is asked to take the survey between now and January 17, 2025. To access the survey, please visit: surveymonkey.com/r/RZDZKSB.
The answers will help shape future community health plans which can help improve a person’s life and make communities a better place to live.
“The goals of this well-being survey are to identify trends in well-being and to learn how local not-for-profit hospitals, public health agencies, and other partners could make the lives of people in our communities better,” said Paula Morgen, ThedaCare Director of Community Health Improvement. “The mission of ThedaCare is to improve the health and well-being of the people in the communities we serve. Well-being is a person’s perception of to what extent they are living their best possible life. Are they able to do the things they want to do? Do they feel safe in their community? Do they have the social supports needed for both physical and mental well-being?”
In past surveys, issues like mental health, substance abuse, early childhood needs and social needs, such as food insecurity and transportation, came to the forefront.
“The information we gather will help us determine where we should focus our resources and energy to get upstream of critical health challenges in our communities,” she said. “It will help us to better understand what community health improvement strategies we can provide for populations who might need additional support.”
Working Together to Address Community Needs
For the first time, the four not-for-profit hospitals in the area – ThedaCare, Advocate Aurora Health, Ascension Health and Children’s Wisconsin – are joining with the public health departments of the cities of Appleton and Menasha, as well as Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties to conduct the entire Community Health Needs Assessment in the Tri-County area, including the well-being survey. Numerous local non-profit organizations are also involved. Public Health agencies in the rural counties that ThedaCare serves are also supporting the well-being survey.
“All not-for-profit hospitals are required by law to conduct community health surveys every three years,” Morgen explained. “In the past, each of these entities conducted their own surveys and created independent plans. Bringing all the hospitals and agencies in the greater Fox Valley area together to conduct this assessment, evaluate the results and create joint plans is a monumental positive shift for all our communities. We will be able to do so much more when we are all focused on the same priorities together. We are excited about the opportunity this collaboration provides.”
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way Fox Cities and the U.S. Venture Foundation provided funds to facilitate the first phase of bringing all these organizations together. The actual Community Health Needs Assessment process is funded by the health systems and public health departments.
“This survey is each person’s opportunity for their voice to be heard and impact where local health care systems and public health agencies direct their initiatives in the future,” said Morgen. “We hope everyone can play a role in creating a healthier future for all.”
