Your voice drives change

Every community has health needs that are visible and others that are not. At the Erie County Health Department and Erie County Community Health Center, one of our most important responsibilities is to listen to the residents we serve and seek to understand what is preventing them and their families from being as healthy as they can be. That is why we are requesting Erie Countians take part in our Community Health Needs Assessment. By scanning the QR code accompanying this letter, you can complete a brief 10-15-minute survey that will help us understand what health issues matter most to the people who live and work in our community. You may wonder whether completing one survey can really make a difference. It absolutely can! In previous Community Health Needs Assessments, our residents identified gaps in care that helped guide real changes in our community. For example, your feedback helped support the development of multiple full-service dental clinics that accept Medicaid and uninsured patients, an on-site pharmacy offering access to critical medications at significantly reduced 340B pricing, and expanded behavioral health services including medically supervised detoxification, residential treatment, intensive outpatient services, and medication-assisted treatment. These are only a few examples of how the Erie County Health Department and Erie County Community Health Center have utilized the survey results to drive change in Erie County. Our close partners at Firelands Health, as well as other entities, have many examples and success stories in how they have utilized the data to drive positive change as well. These are not simply statistics on a report. They are services that affect real people, our neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers. Tens of thousands of Erie County residents have benefited from services and programs shaped by this community input. So yes, one survey, your survey, absolutely makes a difference! A healthier community is also a stronger community. When people have the health and resources they need, they are better able to work, support their families, contribute to the local economy, and participate fully in community life. Your perspective matters. Whether you are concerned about mental health, chronic disease, substance use, oral health, access to medications, preventive care, transportation, food, housing, or another issue, we want to hear from you. Please take 10–15 minutes to complete the Community Health Needs Assessment by scanning the QR code. The QR code is also located on our website and social media. Sincerely, Troy Chaffin, MPH, Chief Executive Officer Erie County Health Department/Erie County Community Health Center