Central Virginia health systems collaborate on region-wide survey

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Health systems in Central Virginia are looking for feedback on a community health survey.

Blue Ridge Health District, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and UVA Health are working together on the surveys, which are tailored to specific parts of the state.

“We want feedback from the entire community,” University of Virginia Public Information Officer Eric Swensen said.

Swensen says the anonymous survey will help everyone who participates.

“What are the major health needs and what are the barriers that people face to getting care?” Swensen said. “It plans to address those concerns and issues to make sure that people can live their healthiest lives.”

The surveys help health systems focus on what the community needs.

Previous surveys collected information on the community’s mental health needs, leading to construction of a new facility.

“We’re getting ready later this year to open a behavioral health and neurodevelopmental clinic for children in the region,” Swensen said. “That’s just an example of concrete steps that we can take to better serve.”

The only requirement is to be 18 or older.

Swensen says everyone is welcome to take the survey regardless of their position.

“Regardless of household income or whether you have insurance we really want to hear from you, a wide cross-section of the entire community,” Swensen said.

The Blue Ridge Health District will have focus groups for Central Virginia starting in October.

For those in Northern Virginia such as Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Prince William County, Fauquier County, Culpeper County, Orange County, Madison County, and Rappahannock County, click here.

For Central Virginia, click here for the survey and click here for the focus group.

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