In the next few weeks, the residents of Buncombe County will play a crucial role in helping Buncombe County Health and Human Services identify important health needs in our community and the surrounding area. We've partnered with the national research firm PRC based in Omaha, Nebraska, to conduct the Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey. The confidential survey will ask about residents' health, behaviors, and experiences. Our county is part of a regional community health assessment and improvement initiative called WNC Healthy Impact. This collaborative effort involves hospitals, health departments, and partners dedicated to improving community health. WNC Healthy Impact aims to gather comprehensive data to better understand and address regional health concerns.

Buncombe County is one of eighteen counties participating in the CHA across western North Carolina. The survey covers various health-related factors, including demographics, socioeconomics, health status, disparities, behaviors, clinical care, physical environment, and quality of life. This data is the basis for our efforts to prioritize and address health challenges over the next three years. Buncombe County Health and Human Services encourages all residents to take part. Ellis Matheson, Buncombe County HHS Public Health Director said, “We strongly encourage everyone to complete the online survey and to respond if contacted by phone. This initiative gives our community the chance to provide information that helps us address the most important health needs in our area."  

Residents can also contribute through an online survey option. Residents can share their input by accessing the survey on our website at www.prcsurvey.com/begin/WNC2024.

The WNC Community Health Assessment is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of hospitals across the region with additional funding from The Dogwood Health Trust.

Interested in Buncombe County health reports? Click here for more information and to view past Community Health Assessment Reports or  https://www.wnchn.org/wnc-healthy-impact/​ .