STAUNTON, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Over the next two months, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD), Sentara RMH Medical Center and Church World Service (CWS) will conduct a Community Health Assessment in Rockingham, Page, Shenandoah, Augusta counties, and the City of Harrisonburg.

According to a news release from the Virginia Department of Health, the assessment will collect and analyze data about the community’s health status to determine strengths and weaknesses, identify health disparities and influence health improvement programs and services.

This CHA will involve an individually completed survey on paper or electronic device. In addition to distributing the survey at local community events, CSHD, Sentara RMH Medical Center, and CWS will host focus groups in early 2025 to supplement the data.

The survey is available online in English and Spanish and on paper in Arabic and Russian. It will be open through Nov. 22, 2024.

Dr. Allison Baroco, the CHSD’s health director, said in the release that the department hope to identify areas that are in need of extra support to improve the health of the community.

“We can use this information to enhance healthcare access and community resources,” Baroco said in the release. “Participation from a broad range of community members is important to ensure we deliver care to those who need it most.”

Doug Moyer, the president of Sentara RMH Medical Center, added that the study will help guide the organization in expanding and developing services and targeting resources where they can be most impactful for the community.

“This survey is critical in helping us work with our community partners to dismantle barriers to healthcare services and provide greater access to those resources,” Moyer said in the release.

The survey is available on the Central Shenandoah Health District website or at this link: https://redcap.link/13vtsosu