Community Health Assessment Available for Archuleta and La Plata Counties

San Juan Basin Health Department is proud to present the 2012 Community Health Assessment for Archuleta and La Plata Counties – a comprehensive collection and analysis of data regarding health issues, available services and opportunities for action in our communities.
This Community Health Assessment was conducted to identify health issues of primary concern and to provide critical information to those in a position to make an impact on the health of our region – governments, social and human service agencies, businesses, healthcare providers, and other entities as well as consumers.

The project itself was a unique collaboration between San Juan Basin Health as the lead agency and the two major hospitals in our counties, Mercy Regional Medical Center and Pagosa Springs Medical Center. Non-profit hospitals are required to complete health assessments every three years. Local public health agencies are required by the state of Colorado to complete an assessment every five years as part of creating a Public Health Improvement Plan. For more information about Colorado’s Health Assessment and Planning process, visit: www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/CHAPS/.

“Health is a major issue of concern and action for all of us,” said Joe Theine, San Juan Basin Health Department Director. “We hope the information in this assessment will encourage collaboration involving all agencies, healthcare entities, across county lines, and among funders to address the complex health needs of our residents.”
A primary goal of the Community Health Assessment is to help increase understanding of our community’s current health both through specific health indicators and community input regarding issues and areas of concern. “The results,” said Theine, “enable us to more strategically establish priorities, develop interventions and commit resources to improve the health of our communities and the region.”

The Community Health Assessment is available on the San Juan Basin Health website at: www.sjbhd.org/communityhealth.

For additional Information Contact: Jane Looney, San Juan Basin Health (970) 335-2087; email: [email protected]