Burlco To Conduct Health Assessment

Burlington County Freeholders last week approved the search for a consulting firm to assist the Health Department in conducting a county-wide Health Survey.

“This survey is part of the County’s plan to identify the most important needs for healthier residents,” said Freeholder Dawn Marie Addiego. “We ask residents to please take part in telephone surveys starting early next year.”

Addiego participated in the County’s health conference this summer with 80 community partners titled Burlington County 2015 – Planning for Healthier Communities. The conference introduced local leaders to the new community-driven process called Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP). The survey results will provide the County with necessary information, as recommended by the State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on improving the health of residents.

“Having residents from all walks of life participate in our phone surveys is vital to the process.” said Robert Gogats, County Public Health Coordinator.

The last county-wide assessment, which identified the need for dental and medical clinics to serve the uninsured, led to the opening of a dental clinic and health center at Buttonwood Hospital. A similar health center is planned in Burlington City.

The County’s Community Health Assessment Advisory Group has developed a 120-question survey based on the CDC’s recommendations to gather information on behaviors that effect resident’s health such as diet, exercise, medicine use, medical checkups, immunizations, smoking, alcohol and lifestyle.

Part of the survey will include questions about cancer risks and screenings with the results helping the Health Department and County Cancer Control Coalition to develop a plan to reduce cancer and its burden on residents of Burlington County.

The Health Department will conduct a shorter 10-question survey designed for seniors at the County’s flu clinics which run from October 21st through November 19th. The survey asks about nutrition, exercise, health insurance and other health concerns.

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Author: Press Release-Burlington County