Black Hawk County Health Department to assess the needs of the area following recent survey | Coronavirus

WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) – The Black Hawk County Health Department will soon be evaluating the results from its recent community health survey.

The community health improvement survey was a collaborative effort involving Black Hawk County Public Health, MercyOne, The Peoples Community Health Clinic and Unity Point Health.

The community health survey was designed to assess the needs and overall health of the community.

Priority areas included mental health and trauma, healthy eating, health equity and other health issues facing the Cedar Valley. 

Community members were encouraged to review fact sheets and complete a survey, which asked for feedback on local health priorities. Residents were asked to complete the survey by June 13.

Survey results will be used by the Community Health Improvement Steering Committee to inform future planning for priority health issues.

The committee, with representation from healthcare, business, education, and community organizations, guides the assessment and ongoing planning for the priority issues and works together to ensure that all people have equitable opportunities and resources to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives.

The current priorities of mental health and trauma, healthy eating, and equity were adopted by the Black Hawk County Board of Health in 2020.

It was a collective process to benefit the community by building local capacity and find common ground, balance competing interests, and leveraging opportunities for joint planning and action” said Public Health Director, Dr. Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye.

Dr. Egbuonye added, “We believe that community involvement is key to this process, everyone has information to contribute, as we collectively move to improve conditions that support healthy living.”

Public health departments are on the front lines of communities’ efforts to protect and promote health and prevent disease and injury.

Black Hawk County Public Health says it is committed to providing services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water, clean air, and life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

Dr. Egbuonye and Board Member, Dr. Reverend Mary Robinson will be guests on this week’s edition of The Steele Report on KWWL-TV.

Although survey results will not be available for the show, Reverend Robinson and Dr. Egbuonye will talk about the role of Black Hawk County Public Health and what it services are offered to all residents of Black Hawk County. 

Contact the Black Hawk County Health Department if you have questions about the services offered locally.