In a recent Community Health Survey, residents helped identify Douglas County’s most pressing public health issues – Behavioral Health, Management and Prevention of Disease, and Injury Prevention. During three virtual meetings, experts will discuss these topics and gather additional community feedback:
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6: Injury Prevention
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7: Management and Prevention of Disease
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8: Behavioral Health
Registration is required. Once registered, participants will receive an email with information to join the meeting.
Why these priorities? As part of Douglas County’s transition to an expert-advised and locally controlled health department, a public process is underway to understand the unique public health needs of Douglas County.
The first step in that process was September’s Community Health Survey. More than 6,800 people responded. In addition to the survey, researchers also looked at data from 17 other sources, such as the Douglas County Citizen Survey, Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and Douglas County Human Services. This information resulted in the three health priorities.
Ultimately, the input from the survey and community meetings will be incorporated into two documents – a Community Health Assessment and Public Health Improvement Plan – that will drive the work of the Douglas County Public Health Department, which will begin providing services to Douglas County – independent from Tri-County Health — in 2023.
Both the Community Health Assessment and Public Health Improvement Plan are required by state law for all public health agencies.