Community Health Survey in Progress. At the CommUNITY Picnic on Aug. 22, about 60 people took the time to fill out a questionnaire designed to give a snapshot of the health of the community, said Carl Caneva, above left, of the City’s health department.
Questions on the survey covered topics such as access to medical care, awareness of how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and an assessment of individual health-related practices (diet, exercise, vaccinations and the like). Mr. Caneva said the survey is part of the EPLAN, Evanston Project for the Local Assessment of Needs, which itself is part of the re-certification process of the City’s health department though the Illinois Department of Public Health. Surveys will be available at farmers’ markets, the library and the Levy Center for the next few weeks, he said, and about 1,200 will also be mailed to residents. In addition, health department staff will hold public meetings to gather input about the health of the community, he said. Health department staff will then compile the results, identify needs of Evanston residents and gaps in services, Mr. Caneva said.
Once the health department has been re-certified, the City will be able to apply for IDPH and other grants to help address the identified needs.