August 13, 2021 – Nearly 24,000 health surveys will be delivered this coming week to randomly selected household addresses across the Upper Peninsula as part of a community health needs assessment sponsored by 32 regional healthcare partners, including local health departments, hospitals, clinics, behavioral health agencies and health foundations.
“The purpose of this survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, is to produce an accurate snapshot of the health of Upper Peninsula residents and to learn more about local community needs,” said Kate Beer, health officer of Western U.P. Health Department. “By completing the survey, you can help us plan for the future and bring much-needed services and funding to meet the health challenges of your community.”
Beer said that as a token of appreciation, every household that is selected and completes the survey by August 26th will be entered in a prize drawing for one of 28 $50 grocery gift cards. The survey will be delivered in a clear plastic envelope with the cover letter and yellow survey booklet clearly visible.
Question topics include health insurance coverage; access to primary care and dental, mental health and substance abuse treatment services; eating and exercise habits; alcohol, tobacco and drug use; chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer; and use of preventive services such as flu shots and mammograms.
Survey responses are anonymous, and findings will only be published for entire counties, never for individuals. Participants may fill out the paper survey and return it in the business reply envelope provided, or complete a convenient on-line version.
Survey results will be used along with data gathered from other sources to produce a comprehensive community health needs report. This report will be made widely available by December 2021.