OFFICE OF HEALTH EQUITY INVITES ERIE COUNTY RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN SURVEY

Responses will inform department’s work to address health disparities; respondents eligible for $100 gift card drawing

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) Office of Health Equity has developed a Health and Wellness Survey for Erie County residents. Responses will inform the work of this office as it compiles a needs assessment report and develops pilot models and programs to improve health disparities.

The survey is intended to collect responses from all Erie County residents, especially those represented in the local law that established the Office of Health Equity in 2021. This includes but is not limited to residents who identify as racial or ethnic minorities or persons of color; residents who identify as LGTBQ; residents whose members have been subjected to prejudice based on race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or gender expression and identity. This further includes residents of rural areas who experience health inequities based on health care access and the effects of poverty.

“In public health, we generally have access to data that are already several years old,” said Office of Health Equity Director Kelly Wofford. “This survey is one method to gather more current information from Erie County residents on their lives and health behaviors.”

She continued, “Our staff will be reaching out directly to communities highlighted in the local law that established our office. We are especially interested in people who are most affected by poor health outcomes and health inequities.”

The survey can take about 10 minutes to complete at https://bit.ly/eriecountysurvey. Using a web browser, the survey is available in about 100 languages. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to select a language. The survey is available on paper and in large print. To request copies, please call (716) 858-2152 and leave a message with your name, address and phone number; or email healthequity@erie.gov. Participants who complete the survey will be eligible for a drawing of a $100 Target gift card. Recipients will be chosen after the survey closes on December 31, 2022.

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Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH), Office of Health Equity: www.erie.gov/health-equity    

ECDOH Health and Wellness Survey: https://bit.ly/eriecountysurvey 

Erie County Local Law 3-1-2021: https://www2.erie.gov/legislature/sites/www2.erie.gov.legislature/files/uploads/Session_Folders/2021/15/LL%20Intro.%203-1%20%282021%29.pdf

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