Time is running out to hear the voices of 1,300 people across Sea to Sky and the Sunshine Coast, as the deadline approaches for the My Health My Community survey to capture residents’ health statistics.
The on-line survey closes June 30, and aims to collect health and well-being information from four per cent of the population who are aged 18 and up. More than 1,500 people in the Coastal rural area have completed the survey so far, however a further 1,300 residents are required.
“Right now we are at 78 per cent of our total goal for the entire Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region, which at 14,000 completed surveys is unprecedented for a health authority to obtain,” said Dr. Jat Sandhu, regional director of Public Health Surveillance at VCH. “The responses to date give us a perspective at the municipal level. What would be even more valuable is data at the neighbourhood level, which we would achieve if we reach our target number of survey respondents. This would allow us to determine factors that support leading healthier lives where we live, work, learn and play.”
The community that has reached its target is Madeira Park/Pender Harbour. The areas with the least number of surveys completed are Pemberton and Powell River. For the latest survey progress by city or town, see www.myhealthmycommunity.org/Progress.aspx.
“Statistics Canada provides us with data at a municipal level,” added medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet. “However, if we are to create supportive environments for improving health we need to understand what is happening in your neighbourhood. So we’re encouraging everyone to do the survey, and especially residents in our more rural and smaller areas such as Pemberton and Powell River.”
The survey can be completed at www.myhealthmycommunity.org. Aggregate survey results will be shared with municipal governments and community groups to help plan future community programs and services.
In addition to the regular prize draw for those who complete the survey, a community referral contest is being launched this month. People will be entered in a draw for a total of $6,000 in prizes when they have their friends and family complete the survey. All draws will take place once the survey closes.
VCH launched the survey June 2013 with Fraser Health and the eHealth Strategy Office at the University of British Columbia.
