By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

A survey of health-related needs in the county promises to offer participants an opportunity to change available health services.

The goal of the assessment, which is to be completed online through Aug. 12, is to understand current health status of residents and collect perceptions about delivery of health care.

A previous assessment, done in 2013, identified need for promotion of health, wellness, and chronic disease prevention; improvement of communication and collaboration between health care providers; and enhanced access to health resources for all county citizens, county health administrator Diedre Serene said.

An annual event grew out of those results.

“After the last health needs assessment, we started having an annual health fair,” Serene said. “I think that was a big thing that helped us.”

This year’s assessment is designed to identify gaps in other health-related areas.

“One of the most important reasons for residents to take the survey is that it gives them a voice for health care in Marion County,” St. Luke Hospital marketing director Roger Schroder said. Needs are not limited to treatment itself, Serene said. People might believe transportation to medical care is a problem or can’t get health care without insurance.

“Do they feel going to the doctor is inaccessible?” Serene asked.

Residents might want to see more support groups or services for particular health issues. This might include such items as more substance abuse treatment services, such as methamphetamine programs.

Surveys can help health organizations get money to expand or offer new programs, Serene said. Some grants require that a needs assessment be done within the last three years.

St. Luke Hospital, Hillsboro Community Hospital, and the health department will evaluate the results.

The survey is confidential and can be reached at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MarionCo_CHNA2021.

A research firm from Olathe is conducting the survey.