In an effort to gauge the overall health needs of the community, Southwest Healthcare Services (SWHS) will survey area residents during an approximately three-week period beginning Wednesday, August 24. Results of the survey will provide guidance to SWHS on better ways to address health care needs. The survey is part of a community health needs assessment initiated by SWHS. SWHS is receiving assistance in conducting the assessment from the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Southwest Healthcare Services strongly encourages all area residents to participate in the survey. Surveys will be distributed to area residents through various channels, including through members of a Community Group convened by SWHS as part of the community health needs assessment process, service clubs, chamber, bowman county public health, and other public venues. Residents may access an interactive, online version of the survey at http://tinyurl.com/BowmanArea2016. Additionally, written copies are available by calling SWHS at (701) 523-4120. All survey responses are anonymous, and there is no way to track responses back to individuals. Survey responses are returned to the Center for Rural Health to help ensure anonymity. A postage-paid return envelope is included with each written survey.
The survey will allow local providers to learn of the community’s awareness of local health care services being provided, hear suggestions and help identify any gaps in services, learn about community health and other concerns, and determine preferences for using local health care versus traveling to other facilities. In addition to specific questions, the survey also seeks general, open-ended input from residents about the community’s health needs and the delivery of local health care. Completing the survey takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
