Surveying county health

When it comes to health risks like smoking, alcohol abuse and obesity, there’s long been room for improvement in Butte County.

That’s why a new partnership spearheaded by the county Public Health Department called Together We Can! Healthy Living in Butte County, which includes dozens of local agencies, recently launched a survey asking for countywide input on key health issues. The results will be used to compile the Community Health Improvement Plan.

“It helps give us direction, so we’re not making guesses what we think are important,” said Deanna Reed, community outreach coordinator for Enloe Medical Center. “We’ll have a more definitive picture of where potential gaps in our health care services might be.”

As of Oct. 2, more than 600 residents had filled out the survey. Go to www.togetherwecanbc.com to provide your input.