Health survey looks to identify public's concerns

By MEGAN HUGHES

[email protected]

Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center is performing a community survey in Iron County to determine the public’s health-related concerns in the community. The survey is aimed at residents of Iron, Ashland and Bayfield counties.

“This is something we do every three years with the area health departments,” said Tamarack Health spokesperson Abby Miller. “We are a critical access hospital, so it is a requirement for us as a hospital to do this, but really it is just a good way for us to tap into what our community thinks are health concerns or needs.”

The survey is extensive, she said, and hosts questions about housing concerns, mental health awareness, general healthcare needs and education.

“It asks if they have identified other health concerns that they feel are most important in our community, things they are hoping to see our community address in the coming years, things like that, which are primarily focused on the health and wellness of our area,” she said.

There are also questions pertaining to the good aspects of the community, where participants can talk about their favorite aspects of their hometown, as well as questions regarding cost of living.

“We want to get a good example of what life is like here,” she said.

A link to the survey is available on the Iron County Health Department’s website. Visit ironcountypublichealth.org and click on “Community Health Survey.”

The survey should remain open for about a month, said Miller.

For more information or to request a paper copy, call 715-685-5182.