Kenosha County is taking a close look at the health and wellness of its residents, launching an online community health assessment as part of a state-mandated initiative. Health officials are calling upon locals to contribute to this effort by sharing their insights through an online survey. Health Officer Lori Plahmer emphasized the survey's integral role in crafting "Kenosha County Thrive," the county's forthcoming Community Health Improvement Plan, as reported by Kenosha County's official.
Plahmer pointed out, "This is a plan that’s developed for and by the community," and she believes that public participation is key to guiding the county toward improved health outcomes. Held every three years, the current survey covers various health-related topics, including mental health and overall community wellness, according to a Kenosha County official. Additionally, individuals who participate in the survey will have a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card in a prize draw.
This routine probing into the community's health landscape is a joint endeavor between Kenosha County Public Health and local health partners such as Aurora Health Care and Froedtert South. The findings from the previous assessment, conducted in 2022, birthed a Community Health Improvement Plan focused on tackling key concerns such as affordable health care access, safe and affordable housing, and mental health and substance use challenges. Efforts stemming from these priorities included creating resource guides and action plans, noted by Kenosha County's official.
As part of this health assessment cycle, the county aims to identify new or persisting health priorities that can inform their subsequent action initiatives. "Now, we’re looking to build upon that work with the upcoming plan, with this year's survey helping to identify whether any new community priorities have emerged since 2022," Plahmer explained in the same release. To further engage the community, the Kenosha County Thrive team is also running a photo campaign, encouraging residents to capture and share images that define a healthy community. As an incentive, photo submissions are also tied to a $100 Visa gift card drawing.
In an effort to foster civic involvement and to visually portray community strengths, Kenosha County citizens are urged to contribute photos by the end of September. Full details on participation and the submission process can be found on Kenosha County's official website, where the health survey can also be completed. Plummers' call to action aligns with the underlying theme of this assessment: understanding and improving community health is a collective responsibility, where every voice and photograph can contribute to a clearer vision of Kenosha County's future well-being.
