Think there’s a health need in the community?

If so, officials at the Covington County Health Department want to know.

“We’re gathering information that will serve as a starting point for the development of a statewide community health improvement plan,” said Kimberly Gordon, health department spokesperson.

“It’s our goal to serve the people of Alabama with the best and highest quality service possible,” she said. “As part of this goal, we need your assistance in identifying the top 10 health care issues and challenges in your community. Knowing what you consider to be the most important issues will help us serve you better in the future.”

Citizens can voice those concerns and needs at a public input meeting this Fri., Jan. 17, at 10 a.m.

The hour-long meeting will “provide a better understanding of health concerns and needs of the county as perceived by local citizens,” Gordon said.

She said that information would also be used to position the department to apply for accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the quality and performance of public health departments.

“That organization uses a national framework of standards and a process to achieve voluntary accreditation,” she said.

Residents can also take the survey online at adph.org/covington/.