Delco Launches Countywide Health Assessment Survey

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The Delaware County Health Department launched its first community health assessment to better address the county's health needs.

Residents are invited to participate in a health assessment survey now through June 30.

Complete the survey online here.

Paper copies of the survey will be distributed to several community sites throughout Delaware County.

All survey responses will be kept confidential.

The aim is to identify key health assets, needs, and disparities in Delaware County through comprehensive data collection, research, and analysis.

In addition to these surveys, DCHD is working with community leaders to ensure all voices are heard through community conversations and focus groups with various populations.

An assessment of community partnerships is also included in the health assessment process.

Community-based organizations participating in the Community Health Assessment Steering Committee include AIDS Care Group, Chester Chaplains Corporation, Chester City, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Delaware County Medical Society, Family & Community Service of Delaware County, the Foundation for Delaware County, Haverford Township, and Widener University. Delaware County agencies participating include the Departments of Emergency Services, Health, Human Services, Planning, and the Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Medical Examiner.

Once the study is complete, the community health assessment will serve as the baseline of community health data to be used by local organizations and residents to support decision-making, grant proposals, and health improvement programs in Delaware County.

A community health improvement plan framework will be developed to address health issues of concern, including health inequities that exist in Delaware County.

This framework will be a roadmap for community partners to collaborate on health improvement strategies in identified priority areas.

Updates on the survey process will be shared on DCHD’s website and issued by press release, through social media outlets, and distributed through partner networks.

For more information about the Community Health Assessment, please visit the Health Department’s website.

“The Community Health Assessment is one of the foundational tools in which Public Health Departments are built upon,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “Every single resident of Delaware County’s voice is vital in crafting the lens in which the health of this county will be examined and improved.”