Electronic surveys seek to identify unmet human-service needs in area

Through one survey, local health and human services organizations can identify a wide range of unmet human-service needs in the area.

This week, electronic surveys were distributed to 2,500 households in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City containing questions about quality of life, community improvement, health behaviors, personal health and access to health and demographic information. The United Way of Southeast Missouri and Community Caring Council are collaborating on the survey.

"We're very excited to get this out there and start addressing the issues people are really struggling with," said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

Hands of a Businessman

The survey is one of the best tools to complete an accurate community needs assessment, she said.

Organizations could host roundtable discussions to talk about what they believe are the biggest concerns, but Jernigan acknowledged such a method lacks involvement from those who regularly face the real issues.

The last assessment survey was completed in 2005. It showed transportation was the top issue in the area.

Because the survey predated the beginning of taxi and shuttle services by the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority, Jernigan said she expects the issue to fall a little lower on this list with the new assessment.

Affordable housing, substance abuse and mental health were other key issues Jernigan expects will be identified again in the new survey. Rounding out the list of top issues in the 2005 survey was a host of "family issues," which encompassed topics such as independent living for senior citizens and helping children achieve success as they grow older.

The United Way focused most of its efforts on the identified family issues, Jernigan said.

For the Community Caring Council, the data received from the surveys allowed them to establish priority issue councils. Social service providers, educators and sometimes local government officials could gather to create a plan and outline goals to begin solving the identified issues.

One group to form as a result of the first survey was the oral health coalition, said Kay Azuma, community coordinator for the Community Caring Council.

It provides oral health screenings to children, which helps identify those in need of treatment. If parents are unable to pay for such services, the group can work with families and school nurses to ensure the child sees a dental health provider.

Overall, Azuma said, data gathered from the survey help organizations work more efficiently to improve the quality of life and identify "legitimate issues." That's why she and Jernigan hope to see as many recipients as possible fill out the survey.

"I'm sure we're going to identify issues we can't fix in just six months. It can take a year," Azuma said. "It can take a long time, but I think the fact that someone is really going to take a look at this data is very encouraging to the community."

In addition to providing organizations such as the United Way of Southeast Missouri and the Community Caring Council with a more accurate view of area needs, recent data also are important when local groups try to apply for grants to start up or expand initiatives.

Those who received the surveys will find them in their inboxes this year. Jernigan said the electronic route was cheaper and will make it easier to analyze the data once the forms are submitted.

She said participants' email addresses will not be submitted, to keep the responses anonymous.

If the organizations involved don't receive the desired response, she said paper surveys could be sent out.

The deadline to submit surveys is March 15. Survey participants also may enter into a drawing for an iPad Mini.

The contest registration form is separate from the survey to preserve anonymity.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Jackson, Mo.

Scott City, Mo.