Community Asked to Participate in Health Survey

Springfield Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Sangamon County Health Department are asking residents of Sangamon and Menard counties to participate in a Community Health Survey aimed at identifying local health needs and priorities.

Memorial Health and Hospital Sisters Health System conduct community health assessments as part of their responsibilities as nonprofit health systems. The surveys are used to gather information about health challenges, community priorities and quality-of-life concerns.

Responses help guide the development of each hospital’s Community Health Improvement Plan, which determines where resources, programs and services can be directed to address identified needs.

Previous surveys have resulted in new programs and initiatives in the Springfield area. Community feedback led to free mental health advocate training designed to reduce stigma, increase awareness and improve access to care. Survey findings also contributed to the launch of a social care referral platform connecting patients with community resources for food, housing, transportation and other essential services.

“The people who live and work in our communities have firsthand knowledge of the health challenges facing their families and neighbors,” Sangamon County Health Department Director John Ridley said. “Taking a few minutes to complete this survey gives residents an opportunity to help us better understand those needs and work with our local health partners to address them.”

“Community input is essential to understanding the health issues that affect our region,” said Angela Stoltzenburg, Memorial Health director of community health. “The feedback we receive helps us make informed decisions and develop programs that improve access to care, address community priorities and support better health outcomes for everyone.”

Kimberly Luz-Mobley, HSHS executive director of community health, said the survey also helps health organizations determine where their resources can have the greatest impact.

“Listening to our communities helps us better understand their needs and where we can provide the most support for the greatest impact,” Luz-Mobley said. “This shared input helps us work alongside community partners to focus our efforts and resources on the priorities identified by the people we serve.”

The survey is open to residents of Sangamon and Menard counties and will remain available through Oct. 31. Residents can complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CGSGPYJ.

Health officials said the responses will be used to help shape future health initiatives, improve access to care and determine priorities for programs and services throughout the area.