Community Health Need Assessment Report, April,2024

West Central Missouri Voices Survey Results

Part of Community Health Needs Assessment

Bates, Cedar, Hickory, St. Clair, & Vernon County, Missouri

Hari Koirala

Community Health Field Specialists

Community Health Engagement and Outreach

hkoirala@missouri.edu

February-March 2024

From November 2023 to January 2024, a “Voices” survey was developed in collaboration with all MU Extension Community Health Field Specialists, Drs. Julie Kapp and Kathleen Quinn, and Ms. Chiquita Chanay and Michelle McDowell. A core set of questions were developed based on survey objectives and/or drawn from existing validated instruments (e.g. the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System). Each CHFS also had the option to include additional custom questions. This survey was intended to supplement a comprehensive needs assessment from secondary, publicly available data. While not a scientific nor research endeavor, this survey was intended to provide additional insights into the health of select Missouri counties not otherwise available through public records.

In February and March 2024, the Voices survey was implemented in the West Central region of Missouri, with a focus on five counties: Bates, Cedar, Hickory, St. Clair, and Vernon. The survey aimed to gather insights from people living or working in these counties regarding local health-related concerns. Data analysis occurred in April 2024 and included tabulation of frequencies and percentages of responses.

After excluding responses that were not valid and/or outside of the target area, 264 participants were found to reside within the designated survey area. Further refinement led to the identification of 224 individuals who adhered to the complete required guidelines outlined for the survey.

For the complete report, please email here.