Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital are encouraging residents to participate in a Community Health Survey, an important step in identifying and addressing the health needs of the communities they serve.
As nonprofit health systems, Memorial Health and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) conduct community health assessments to better understand local health challenges, priorities and quality-of-life concerns. Feedback collected through the survey helps identify community needs and guides the development of each hospital’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), helping ensure resources, programs and services are focused on the areas that matter most.
Previous survey results have led to additional programming and targeted initiatives that support the health of local communities. In Decatur, survey results led to the establishment of a Community Health Collaborative to address high rates of prostate cancer, particularly among Black men, through increased screening and awareness. Survey results also led to the launch of a social care referral platform that connects patients with community-based resources to address needs such as food, housing, transportation and other essential services.
The survey is available to residents of Macon and Moultrie counties. Community members can participate by completing the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35R6NHN.
“Community input is essential to understanding the health issues that affect our region,” said Angela Stoltzenburg, Memorial Health director of community health. “The feedback we receive helps us make informed decisions and develop programs that improve access to care, address community priorities and support better health outcomes for everyone.”
“Listening to our communities helps us better understand their needs and where we can provide the most support for the greatest impact,” said Kimberly Luz-Mobley, HSHS executive director of community health. “This shared input helps us work alongside community partners to focus our efforts and resources on the priorities identified by the people we serve.”
By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, residents can help shape future health initiatives, improve access to care and support the hospitals’ shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
The survey will remain open through Oct. 31.