KC Reporter

The Kansas City Health Department will release Community Health Surveys during the summer and fall of 2024, aiming to gather feedback from residents to shape health policies. Two confidential surveys will be mailed: one focusing on mental health, to be released in the week of June 3rd, and another on chronic health issues, set for release in the fall.

The department encourages residents to complete these surveys to inform them about pressing health concerns. "By dedicating 15-20 minutes to this survey, residents directly contribute to our understanding of the health issues that matter most to them and their households," stated a representative from the Health Department.

Participants will also enter a raffle for a $100 gift card upon completing the survey. The gathered information aims to address critical questions such as diabetes prevention efforts, accessibility of healthcare providers, and factors affecting mental health in Kansas City.

"One of the best things about working as the health director for Kansas City residents is that folks will talk to me in the grocery store, the post office, my kids' school—anywhere really—about their concerns around community health. A big part of my job is to ensure that the funds provided to the Health Department are applied to the most pressing needs of our residents," said Kansas City Director of Health Dr. Marvia Jones.

"As we begin to address the emerging mental health crisis nationwide, our survey will provide the first Kansas City-specific snapshot of our residents' mental health. We want to hear from you to best meet our community's needs. This survey is a first step to ensuring that we can work towards improving residents' mental well-being in the years to come,” added Dr. Alex Francisco, Chief Science Officer of the Kansas City Health Department.

Completed surveys should be sent back using the enclosed return-reply envelope addressed to ETC Institute at 725 W. Frontier Circle, Olathe, KS 66061. The department assures respondents that their answers will remain confidential and only used for identifying community needs by area.

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