Public health conducting needs survey for north central Idaho

Idaho residents in Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater and Idaho counties have the chance to influence which health and social service programs are available in their community. 

Public Health Idaho North Central District’s survey is designed to take up to 10-15 minutes and is available online or at a public health office. The survey is anonymous and allows participants to skip questions.

The survey asks residents what kind of access they have to physical and mental health care, housing, employment, childcare and transportation. It also asks what barriers they face getting services, maintaining healthy habits and avoiding substance use.

Michael Wells, communications manager for the district, said the survey will help the agency to meet the needs of community members.

“When people respond to these questions, [it] will directly contribute to shaping future health initiatives and services,” he said.

The survey is conducted every three to five years, Wells said, with the last survey in the district was conducted five years ago. At that time, survey respondents identified tobacco use as a significant health issue.

“So, we increased our tobacco cessation offerings and we increased our tobacco education in our communities,” Wells said.

Wells said he’s hoping to see as many, or more, responses as the last time. The district reported the last survey had about 1,100 responses from the health district’s roughly 112,000 residents. 

Produced with assistance from the Public Media Journalists Association Editor Corps funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people