Missoula Public Health (MPH) is seeking community feedback on the draft 2017-2021 Community Health Assessment (CHA). This document represents a comprehensive review and analysis of MPH, state, and federal data regarding health issues and the needs of individuals and communities throughout Missoula County.
The assessment represents the data, opinions, observations and perspectives of the people who live, work, play and learn in our communities. The information contained in the report can help community partners, residents, businesses and others determine the priority health needs within Missoula County. The assessment highlights how many different factors, such as healthcare access, substance use and the built environment, affect overall individual and community health in Missoula County.
“Knowing our health priorities helps mobilize organizational and community resources to address these issues,” said MPH Director Damian Chase-Begay. “MPH’s goal is for this assessment to be useful information to public health programs, health care providers, policymakers, area organizations, community groups and individuals who are interested in improving health, wellness and prevention in the community.”
This information can be used for collaboration, planning, grant writing, advocacy and other areas aimed at improving health. The report includes data based on responses to a survey conducted in July 2023, which was distributed to city and county residents. As part of accreditation, the assessment is typically conducted every 5 years, but the pandemic delayed the cycle this time.
This latest assessment includes additions that more fully reflect what factors affect health. These additions include a new section on Race, Ethnicity, and Individual and Systemic Racism: Health Equity. The assessment survey also expanded to ask about impacts of climate change.
View the draft CHA and provide comments for the next four weeks, until Feb. 27, 2024, by visiting the Community Health Assessment page on MissoulaCountyVoice.com.