Online conversations ask local residents’ priorities
Communicable disease, mental health and other hot topics will be on the virtual coffee table in February, when Chippewa Valley health partners ask the public to pick their top health priorities.
A series of online Community Conversations will allow residents of Chippewa and Eau Claire counties, to weigh in on key health issues from home, work or any other convenient location.
The discussions follow the recent collection of health surveys from area residents, and represent the next step in a Community Health Assessment that takes place every three years. Six conversations – three for each county – will take place Feb. 9, 10 and 11.
The events will offer residents a look at the results of the community health survey, as well as the opportunity to win a Visa gift card for participating.
In addition, the Community Conversations will provide county, state and national data comparisons in 14 different health areas – from healthy nutrition to drug use, to injury and violence prevention. Following review of the survey and secondary data, participants will be asked to vote on their top three health concerns.
Results from the surveys and the online Community Conversations will be reviewed by local health coalitions – the Chippewa Health Improvement Partnership and Eau Claire Healthy Communities – to aid in further prioritization and strategic planning around community needs.
Anyone can sign up for one of the virtual Community Conversations, by registering online at bit.ly/ChippConversation or bit.ly/ECconversation, or by calling 715-559-6980.
The nine-month Community Health Needs Assessment process will conclude in May, with the release of separate reports for Chippewa and Eau Claire counties. The final assessment will be used by healthcare organizations, to help launch public health improvement efforts.
