Quality of life survey to identify Northern Kentucky's strengths, weaknesses

Vision 2015 and the Northern Kentucky Health Department are conducting a public opinion survey to identify the social issues that residents feel impact their quality of life, and in which ways the region is strong.

The Community Themes and Strengths Survey is part of the 18-month Health and Social Needs Assessment launched last year by Vision 2015 to help Northern Kentucky prioritize issues and identify resources.

Conducted in collaboration with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and funded in part by a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, the goal is to initiate one large project that can make a measurable difference in the region's health and social challenges.

"This is an opportunity for residents to shape the health and social needs priorities of the community," says Dr. Steven R. Katkowsky, District Director of Health with the Northern Kentucky Health Department.

Issues contained in the study include public services, education, economy, crime, environment, the ability to meet routine needs, and neighborhood involvements.

Participants will be asked how they feel about their own neighborhoods and about Northern Kentucky as a whole, what issues are most important to their neighborhoods, and what steps should be taken to create a stronger, healthier community.

The survey is available on the Vision 2015 and Northern Kentucky Health Department websites, and at all public libraries in each county.

"The data gathered from this survey can be more useful and informative with a greater variety of responses received, and the survey will only take 10 minutes to complete," Katkowsky says.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Kara Clark, vice president, strategic initiatives and communications, Vision 2015