In order to gauge the overall health needs of Barton County residents, Clara Barton Hospital and Barton County Department of Health are working together with Northwest Kansas Health Alliance to conduct a community wide health needs assessment. Results of the survey will provide guidance to address health care needs and fulfill both federal and state mandates.

To gather the necessary information for this assessment, a comprehensive paper / online survey has been created to measure Barton County resident’s views regarding health care perceptions of delivery, access, and health practices. Starting the week of January 30th, surveys will be mailed to 2000 randomly selected Barton county residents. (Note: If you would like to participate and do not receive a paper survey, please log into https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BMPGWLX to take the survey online.

Additionally, there will be a limited supply of paper surveys that can be obtained at Clara Barton Hospital or Barton County Department of Health.) VVV Research & Development, Inc., an independent research firm from Olathe Kansas, has been retained to conduct this county wide research.

It is important that these surveys be completed and returned by Friday, Feb. 10. Participants who choose to take the survey will answer questions dealing with health related topics such as diet/nutrition, exercise, health concerns, and access to care, etc. All survey responses are anonymous and completing the survey takes less than 10 minutes.

In addition, residents interested in discussing and prioritizing Barton County future health initiatives will have their chance on Monday, Feb. 20. Currently, a Town Hall dinner meeting is being organized on that date at the Hoisington Activities Center, 1200 Susank Rd. in Hoisington, Kansas from 5:30 -7 p.m. More information on how to participate will be released in a few weeks.