In an effort to identify and meet healthcare needs of the community, Marshall County residents are asked to participate in the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey.

Marshall County Public Health Director Sydney Grewell hopes as many people as possible will participate.

“The results are used to help make decisions,” she said. “We look at the data and it helps drive factors. The more data we can get, the more we can do with it.”

The survey became available on Sept.1. Conducted every three years, it helps healthcare organizations prioritize clinical services. Participation and answers are kept anonymous. People who take the survey identify community needs and what is necessary for themselves and their families.

According to Grewell, only 57 Marshall County residents took the last survey.

“That is not a good turnout,” she said. “For the people who want to help improve the community, including healthcare, this is a direct opportunity for them.”

Fortunately, Grewell said the number of people who filled out the survey last week was 75. She is hoping for even more.

“We want a couple hundred,” Grewell said. “There are less than 30 questions, and most of those are demographic questions. They are not hard, and it takes less than five minutes.”

Grewell said the survey deadline was extended beyond the end of September to give more people the opportunity to fill it out. The last day the survey will be available is Oct. 25. Afterward, healthcare organizations will use the results to develop action plans. She stressed the survey is not just for Marshalltown residents, but everyone in Marshall County.

Grewell said her office will look at the healthcare needs of the county, and figure out better ways to serve the community.

“My goal as the new director is to extend services and see what we can provide with the staff we have,” she said. “I am excited to see what the results are and figure out what is attainable.”

For example, using previous survey results led to better relationships between Public Health and the schools and child care centers within the county. The relationships helped increase the amount of vaccinations students received.

“There were less kids missing school, and not playing catch-up,” Grewell said. “They can keep on track for success.”

The CHNA survey originated in 2010 when the Affordable Care Act mandated that non-profit hospitals conduct these surveys every three years, said UnityPoint – Marshalltown Administrator Shari King

King said UPH will make the results publicly available and will be used to shape future decisions during the next three years.

“Of course, there is always a bottom line to keep in view, too, but these results help us reassess, enhance or establish healthcare services and support,” she said. “We really need your participation.”

The CHNA survey is available in a variety of languages such as English, Spanish, Burmese, French and more. It is online at bit.ly/marshall-chna-2024. Paper copies can also be picked up at UnityPoint – Marshalltown, 1704 S. Center St.; Primary Health Care, 101 Iowa Ave. W. or by calling Marshall County Public Health at 641-844-2799.

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.