Marengo residents asked for health input

Residents of Marengo County are being asked to give their input on the health issues facing them today.

The survey, sponsored by the Alabama Department of Public Health, will be used to help identify and rank the health needs of the state, set a starting point for tracking progress and serve as a foundation for a statewide health improvement plan.

Jackie Holliday, director of the Marengo County Health Department, said local input is vital since the needs of rural areas are different from those in metropolitan locations.

The survey is also part of an effort by the ADPH to become accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, a nonprofit group working to advance the quality and performance of public health departments nationwide, he said.

The survey is available online here. Paper surveys can be used as well. They are available at the MCHD, Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital and at other locations in the county. Surveys must be completed by Jan. 31.

The one-page survey asked each respondent for demographic information and to rank what each sees as the 10 most important health issues.

Information gathered in the survey will be used to develop a strategic plan for the ADPH, which will be shared with communities across the state, said Holliday.

“We need the assistance of interested groups and individuals from different backgrounds and parts of the state to respond to the survey,” said Stacey Adams, team leader.

“By better understanding the health concerns and needs of the state, identifying partners that we can work with, and focusing our efforts, we can effectively improve the health status of Alabamians.”