Health department aims to improve life in McHenry with survey

Submitted by McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County residents have the opportunity to improve the quality of life in their communities by filling out an anonymous and confidential opinion survey designed by local health and human service providers. As part of the 2014 McHenry County Healthy Community Study, these providers would like your feedback on the different aspects of living and working in McHenry County to identify trends and to guide community planning efforts to meet local needs and future growth. Earlier county studies were conducted in 2006 and 2010 whose results can be found on the department of health’s webpage www.mcdh.info.

Residents can access the 2014 survey at the same webpage, link to “healthy mchenry,” from Jan. 25 to Feb. 15. They will be asked to rate the quality and availability of services in their community, such as public transportation, bike/walking paths, jobs and safe neighborhoods, as well as health care issues and insurance options. A paper version of the survey, both English and Spanish, is also being distributed by these providers for those without computers. For those taking the paper version, a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be provided so there is no cost to you. All answers received will be combined with other responses to ensure confidentiality.

We urge everyone to complete the survey whether or not they use the services. Results of the Healthy Community Study will be presented at a community forum at McHenry County College from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 2. Direct any questions about the survey to healthymchenry@gmail.com or Debra Quackenbush, McHenry County Department of Health at (815) 334-4456.