Local health agencies introduce community survey

For the next few months Inyo residents will be hearing about an important opportunity to weigh in on local health concerns.

Multiple Inyo health and service agencies are partnering to collect an ambitious amount of survey information from communities across Inyo County from October to December 2018.

“This information ... may influence what services are developed or funded for Inyo residents.”

Kevin S. Flanigan, MD MBA
CEO, NIHD

“We want to hear from every resident possible,” said Inyo County HHS Director Marilyn Mann. “This is chance for locals to inform a wide range of their service providers regarding the health of our county.”

By jointly mapping community health needs and assets, Northern Inyo Healthcare District, Inyo County Health and Human Services, Toiyabe Family Services, Owens Valley Career Development Center (OVCDC), Southern Inyo Healthcare District, Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action (IMACA), and Wild Iris believe they will be able to learn more together, while setting the stage for more effective community health collaborations.

“This information could inform strategic plans, board decisions, and grant applications,” explained Dr. Kevin Flanigan, CEO of Northern Inyo Healthcare District. “It may influence what services are developed or funded for Inyo residents.”

Sharing the results of this survey may allow the seven agencies to find ways to leverage funds or streamline service delivery In the future, too. The agencies will also be collecting information about the medical services currently delivered to Inyo residents and needs that health providers say often go unmet.

“This is just a starting point to learn some basics,” said OVCDC Director Ryan Howard. “If we have good representation from all the communities across Inyo County, then this information will help us figure out what we need to research and analyze even more closely to improve community health.”

Citizens who want to make sure their information gets included can complete the survey online at https://www.inyocounty.us/ or they can complete a paper version of the survey at any of the participating agencies in person

Residents may also receive an electronic survey link via email. To request a link be sent to their inbox, they can contact Stephanie Tanksley at stanksley@inyo county.us

Paper surveys will also be available at large community events throughout the fall and winter, such as pow wows, school carnivals, Trunk or Treat in Bishop, and Trick or Treat on Main in Lone Pine. The Community Center in Tecopa at the far Southeastern edge of Inyo County will also serve as a distribution and collection point for many Death Valley residents.