Released: May 9, 2023
The Delaware County Health Department announced that it has initiated its first community health assessment, in partnership with community-based organizations and government agencies. Assessment of a community’s health is a core function of local health departments.
The aim of the Community Health Assessment is to identify key health assets, needs, and disparities in Delaware County through comprehensive data collection, research, and analysis. DCHD wants to gain a complete understanding of the public health issues affecting Delaware County communities and provide accurate data that can be used to develop strategies to improve the health of Delaware County.
The Delaware County Health Department, along with its steering committee, will be working towards completing its first community health assessment, over the next several months.
County residents are encouraged to participate in this process by taking the Delaware County Community Health Survey. This survey will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will be available online through June 30, 2023.
The survey can be accessed at the Delaware County Health Department Community Health Assessment website at https://delcopa.gov/health/communityhealthassessment.html. All survey responses will be kept confidential.
Paper copies of the survey will be also distributed to several community sites throughout Delaware County.
In addition to Community Health Assessment Survey, DCHD is working with community leaders to ensure all voices are heard through community conversations and focus groups with various populations. An assessment of community partnerships is also included in the health assessment process.
Community-based organizations participating in the Community Health Assessment Steering Committee include AIDS Care Group, Chester Chaplains Corporation, Chester City, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Delaware County Medical Society, Family & Community Service of Delaware County, the Foundation for Delaware County, Haverford Township, and Widener University. Delaware County agencies participating include the Departments of Emergency Services, Health, Human Services, Planning, and the Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Medical Examiner.
Once the study is complete, the community health assessment will serve as the baseline of community health data to be used by local organizations and residents to support decision making, grant proposals, and health improvement programs in Delaware County. A community health improvement plan framework will be developed to address health issues of concern, including health inequities that exist in Delaware County. This framework will be a roadmap for community partners to collaborate on health improvement strategies in identified priority areas.
Updates on the survey process will be shared on DCHD’s website and issued by press release, through social media outlets, and distributed through partner networks. For more information about the Community Health Assessment, please visit the DCHD website at delcopa.gov/health.
“The Community Health Assessment is one of the foundational tools in which Public Health Departments are built upon,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “Every single resident of Delaware County’s voice is vital in crafting the lens in which the health of this county will be examined and improved.”