There is a review of health needs under way in Geary County. The Community Engagement Coordinator for Stormont Vail Health, Savanna Gaumer, said the survey is designed for community members to provide information on the social determinants of health that they're facing and their Geary County zip code. "So we're trying to look at all the different parts that we don't really think about affecting your health, but really do in the long run."
Goumer provided examples such as transportation to cost of living. Information gathered will go into a report and then into the Community Health Improvement Plan where priority areas will be selected during a town hall meeting on May 22nd.
Gaumer noted that all of the data will be available on their web site for the public to view.
The effort will be funded by some hospital money and donations from partners in the Geary County community.
This project is part of a three year cycle. This will be the first step and will then move into the Community Health Improvement Plan and the Stormont Vail Health Improvement Plan as well.
Questions on the survey range from whether everyone in your household is covered by health insurance to whether you have has various health procedures done such as dental screening to COVID vaccine.
Other partners in this project include Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Live Well Geary County, USD 475, Geary County and Pawnee Mental Health.