The Partnership for a Healthy Community (Healthy HOI)—representing hospitals, clinics, public health, higher education and social service agencies—is asking for your participation in its community health needs assessment. Residents in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties may participate to help identify the most important health issues impacting individuals and families.
The survey is conducted every three years and provides a baseline to address identified health needs. New partnerships and innovative approaches have developed based on the last survey. Healthy HOI currently focuses on four priorities:
- Behavioral Health. Mental health was ranked the most important health issue within the community. Goal: To improve mental health through prevention and access to services, and reduce substance abuse among Tri-County residents, especially youth.
- Healthy Eating/Active Living. Obesity was ranked the second-highest health issue within the community. Goal: To increase the number of individuals and youth who meet the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as the recommended levels of weekly physical activity.
- Cancer. Peoria and Woodford counties have higher incidence of breast cancer compared to the State of Illinois, while Peoria and Tazewell counties have higher incidence of lung cancer. Goal: To reduce the illness, disability and death caused by breast and lung cancer in the Tri-County area.
- Reproductive Health. Sexually transmitted infections and teen birth rates were significantly higher than state rates. Goal: To improve and promote reproductive and sexual health of adolescents and young adults. iBi
The anonymous survey is available through August 31, 2018, in both English and Spanish at healthyhoi.org or at the Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford County health departments.
