Randomly selected households in Stearns and surrounding counties have been chosen to take part in a survey about their community’s health and wellness.

Stearns County says the Central Minnesota Community Health Survey will be sent out within a week to nearly 9,000 homes in Benton, Sherburne and Stearns Counties.

The survey asks questions about access to health care, nutrition, financial stress, and tobacco and drug use among other health-related issues.

Results will help public health departments, area hospitals and others use the data to prioritize health needs specific to communities. Strategies and action plans will also be set in motion to develop healthier communities. Public health departments will use the surveys to watch trends, whether good or bad, over long periods of time. A similar survey was conducted in 2012. 

Stearns County encourages all who receive the survey to complete it and mail it back. All information is anonymous and confidential.

CentraCare Health, Fairview Northland Medical Center and United Way worked with the three counties to put together the survey. Results will be ready in early 2017.

Community Health Assessments are required by law every 3-5 years.