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Healthcare survey deadline approaching

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During the past month, some residents of Lake County have been filling out a survey designed to identify local healthcare needs. The survey, sent to a random sample of homes, will help St. Luke Community Healthcare identify health services needed throughout the Mission Valley and St. Luke service area.

“We need those who received the survey to return them in the self-addressed, stamped envelope by Nov. 5,” according to Shane Roberts, CEO at the Ronan hospital. “The purpose of the survey is to obtain information from a wide range of participants to assist in planning programs, services and to identify community health and wellness needs. Your response will represent others in your community making it very important that you complete and return the survey.”

The needs assessment survey is a cooperative effort between St. Luke and the Montana Office of Rural Health in Bozeman. The process incorporates various community engagement activities including the assembly of a community steering committee comprised of local leaders who have been helping St. Luke accomplish one of its community-focused goals.

To get further input from community members, the Ronan hospital, in conjunction with the Bozeman group, will be conducting focus group interviews with community members on Nov. 1 and 2.

“We are specifically issuing an open invitation to everyone to attend the Ronan Chamber of Commerce meeting on noon, Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Mission Mountain Golf Course, for a no-host lunch, to give your input on the healthcare needs in our area,” Wayne Fuchs, community outreach coordinator for St. Luke, explained. “We’ll have another meeting in Polson at the senior citizen’s center, at 12:30 p.m. following the noon meal to gather input from those in the Polson area.”

Roberts encourages all community members to participate in the needs assessment process, whether it be through the mailed survey or the community focus groups. 

“With your input, we are better able to respond to our service area’s needs and to establish health priorities,” the CEO noted.

The deadline for returning completed surveys is Nov. 5. Anyone with questions about the survey or about participation in the focus groups can contact Fuchs at 528-5296.

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