New Survey Launched to Collect Data on Lake County Health Conditions and Challenges

The Live Well Lake County Steering Committee and Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center are sending invitations for a health status survey to 5,000 households in the county during the first week of September. These randomly selected Lake County residents will provide vital health information that will help guide the Department's and partners' community health improvement plans, supporting better health outcomes for all in Lake County.

"It's an exciting project for us," said Ernest Vasseur, executive director of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County and co-chair of the Live Well Lake County Steering Committee. "By directly engaging our community, we can learn much more about what our real health needs and priorities are and make data-driven decisions that foster real, positive change."

Questions included in this anonymous survey address key health priorities including traditional priorities such as chronic disease. Emerging health topics such as mental health, access to care, and substance use will also be included.

"The survey allows us to gather data on things that community partners have identified as being important in their neighborhoods," added Tony Beltran, executive director of the Health Department and co-chair of the Live Well Lake County Steering Committee. "The data hasn't kept pace with priorities. With the results, we will be able to take a careful look at health patterns and work with our partners to better target community interventions."

One resident from each selected household will respond via an online form or by calling a toll-free number once they receive their invitations. Whether using the phone or online options, respondents should be able to complete the survey in 20 minutes or less. The survey will be open for several weeks to allow residents time to respond. Results of the survey will be made available on the Health Department's website in its Community Health Status Assessment early next year. Questions can be directed to the Assessment Coordinator at the Lake County Health Department at: HealthAssessment@lakecountyil.gov.