BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- The Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services has announced the results of the 2017 Community Health Assessment — a comprehensive data-driven report on the behaviors, needs and concerns of the township’s 48,000 residents.
The assessment, which is a follow-up to research conducted in 2013, consisted of four focus groups, interviews, and resident responses to a survey which was offered online and in print in both English and Spanish.
“To identify the pressing health issues in town, our Health Department worked to tailor a comprehensive survey to gather important information about our residents and their needs. Questions ranging from housing and transportation to eating habits and physical activity were all considered,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “The information will be used to develop strategies and programs to improve the physical and mental health of residents. As one of the first accredited Health Departments in the State, they continue to set a standard of excellence that benefits us all.”
Survey participants were also asked about potential barriers to healthcare, substance abuse behaviors and environmental living conditions. More than 400 residents completed the survey, citing water quality, physical inactivity, food choices and stress as community health concerns and mentioned the cost and time involved in preparing healthy meals as barriers to better eating.
“Residents indicated that long commutes and long work hours hinder health-promoting behaviors, and Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity as major health issues facing Bloomfield residents,” said Director of Health & Welfare at the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services Karen Lore. “Based on the Community Health Assessment we are working on our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) focusing on several key areas: access to screening and healthcare services; active living and healthy eating; childhood lead poisoning prevention; substance abuse prevention; and mental health programming. Creating healthy, active communities is a goal we all share.”
The Department of Health and Human Services contracted with the Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS) at Montclair State to conduct the surveys. The entire assessment results can be found online at http://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/main/press-release/2018-bloomfield-department-health-and-human-services-2017-community-health-assessment. Residents are invited to read about the programs the Department of Health and Human Services offer, most of which are free of charge, at http://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/health-human-services/?q=bloomfield-department-health-human-services, as well as call 973-680-4024 or visit 1 Municipal Plaza, Office 111, Bloomfield, NJ during normal business hours.