Your participation in a survey could make for a healthier Mahoning Valley

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We all play a role in shaping health care in the Mahoning Valley.

Did you know your participation in a simple survey could play a direct and critical role in building a healthier Mahoning Valley?

Last month, the 2018 Mahoning Valley Community Health Needs Assessment was sent to a sampling of residents in Trumbull and Mahoning counties. This survey is used by a collaborative group of health care organizations in Mahoning and Trumbull counties to shape a comprehensive plan to address our area’s greatest health needs. It’s done every three years.

It’s critical for the community as a whole that individuals who receive the survey take the time to complete it with open and honest feedback, and submit it in a timely manner. All answers remain confidential. In fact, survey responses are reported in a combined manner, not at all tied to individual respondents.

“Our community through this assessment allows organizations throughout our Valley to gauge and respond appropriately to the ever-changing needs,” said Ellen Ford, Manager of Community Health Education.

Mercy Health–Youngstown is partnering with several other local health care providers and various city and county agencies in the assessment process. Included among them are Mahoning County District Board of Health, Trumbull County Combined Health District, Healthy Community Partnership Mahoning Valley, Youngstown City Health District, Trumbull and Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Boards, Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, and Warren City Health District.

“The goal of this assessment process is to collaboratively identify health priorities and the strategies needed to improve health outcomes for all community residents,” said Patricia Sweeney, health commissioner, Mahoning County District Board of Health.

Mercy Health-Youngstown’s three hospitals (St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital and St. Joseph Warren Hospital) identified four prioritized health needs in the Valley, and implementation plans were put in place for each: cancer (breast, colorectal and lung), diabetes, substance abuse (drug and alcohol) and infant mortality.

As an example of how the survey evolves into an action plan, Mercy Health set out to increase access to quality breast care for those residing in areas where mammography services are limited by providing convenient access that promotes screening, early detection and intervention. In 2017, between both the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center and the Joanie Abdu Mobile Mammography Van increased screenings approximately 19 percent; increasing access and ensuring that all in the Valley have access to the care they need.

Plans were similarly put in place to address each of the other four priority areas. The 2018 assessment will help measure how effectively those plans have performed.

More than 3,500 Mahoning and Trumbull County residents age 19 and older will be randomly selected to receive the surveys. Questions range from their general health, risk and protective health factors, as well as access to health care. Respondents are asked to return the completed surveys in the postage-paid envelopes that come with them within seven days.

The final community health assessment report will be published in spring 2019.

“As health care continues to evolve, the needs of our community change, as well,” said Ford. “By identifying the specific needs every few years, we are able to fulfill our promise of building a healthier Mahoning Valley.”