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How healthy is the community? The Virginia Department of Health aims to find out

Crystal Graham
online survey
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Have you ever wondered how healthy your community is? The Virginia Department of Health and its partners are looking to gather data to provide an answer to that question.

VDH is conducting its Community Health Assessment throughout mid-November in the Central Shenandoah Health District.

The Central Shenandoah region includes Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah and Augusta counties and the City of Harrisonburg.

The data is used to determine health-related strengths and weaknesses, identify health disparities and influence health improvement programs and services within the region.

“Through surveying people in our district, we hope to identify areas that are in need of extra support to improve the health of the community,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, CSHD health director. “We can use this information to enhance healthcare access and community resources.”

The assessment is done in partnership with Sentara RMH Medical Center and Church World Service.

“The health needs assessment helps guide us in expanding and developing services and targeting resources where they can be most impactful for our community,” said Doug Moyer, president of Sentara RMH Medical Center. “This survey is critical in helping us work with our community partners to dismantle barriers to healthcare services and provide greater access to those resources.”

The survey is available in both English and Spanish online and can be provided in Arabic and Russian on paper to those who need it. The survey will be open through Nov. 22.

In addition to distributing the survey at local community events, community focus groups will be offered in early 2025 to supplement the data.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]