ADEL, Iowa — The Dallas County Public Health Department has joined forces with multiple health organization and community partners to launch the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), aimed at gathering valuable insights into the health needs and priorities of residents in central Iowa.
The CHNA survey, which will be conducted over the next four months, seeks to engage community members in a dialogue about their health concerns, experiences and goals. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing our community, health organizations can better tailor programs and services to address people’s most pressing health issues.
“We encourage everyone in central Iowa to participate in the survey and share their perspectives,” said Dr. Nalo Johnson, president and CEO of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. “Your input is invaluable in helping us create a healthier and more vibrant community for all.”
Topics covered in the survey include access to health care, chronic disease management, mental health, substance abuse, social determinants of health and more. The survey is available online, and it will be distributed through various community channels to reach as many residents as possible.
Johnson said the assessment is a valuable public health tool to inform community members and decision makers regarding community health issues and strategies.
This year’s CHNA is also designed specifically to increase engagement among health disparate populations in the tri-county area of Dallas, Polk and Warren counties. This will be accomplished through partnerships with community-based organizations to build awareness around CHNA survey participation and through focus groups with targeted populations.
The results of the survey will be carefully analyzed and used to inform the development of a CHNA Report, which will be available to the public later this fall. This report will serve as a roadmap for prioritizing health initiatives and allocating resources effectively.
For more information about the CHNA survey, visit the Polk County Public Health Department website or contact the Polk County Public Health Department Communications Officer Madisun VanGundy at Madisun.VanGundy@polkcountyiowa.gov.
