By Lori Ehde
It's been a month since the first round of surveys were mailed out for the Regional Health Profile 2002, and only 35 percent have been returned.
The project goal was a 55 percent return rate, so public health officials are putting out a plea for those citizens who received surveys to complete them.
The point of the survey, mailed May 20 to 20,000 homes by the Region 9 Development Commission, is to provide a comprehensive health assessment of citizens in south central and southwestern Minnesota.
There is currently no consistent source of health data for local county public departments to use as a basis for community health service plans required every four years by Minnesota law.
"The information is critical for us to get a true assessment of individual health needs and concerns in a community," said Ann Stehn, county health director for Kandiyohi County.
"The survey helps us determine health needs, existing barriers and efforts that are necessary to improve the overall health of our communities."
As an example, data from the 1994 RHP reported that women were not getting mammograms. This information was shared with doctors in the 27 counties and the number of mammograms has since increased.
Nearly 30 different local health providers have partnered with local public health officials on the Regional Health Profile 2002.
Questions about the survey can be directed to Jim Theurer at (507) 387-5643, ext. 890.