La Crosse County hosting “community conversation” on health concerns, needs

Awhile back, the La Crosse County Health Department sought the public’s input on health needs and concerns in the community.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, those priorities will be discussed at what the health department is calling “Community Conversations: What is driving our health in La Crosse County?”

It will take place at the Trinity Lutheran Church (map) in La Crosse.

The health department came up with three top priorities from that public input. Those three health concerns are:

• Behavioral Health — which involves the need to address mental health, substance use disorder, and suicide.
• Healthy Environment — which involves access to safe housing, food, and places for physical activity.
• Access to Care — where residents can promptly access affordable, culturally-appropriate care.

With those priorities are set, the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is being crafted to address the top health concerns.

“As a community-driven project, we want to know what our residents are experiencing and come up with a plan that works to create healthy and positive community change,” Rachel King, CHIP lead coordinator and health educator for health department said in a statement.

She also talked about the event on La Crosse Talk recently.

Tuesday’s Community Conversation is an opportunity to listen to residents’ concerns and ideas for how to address what is driving La Crosse County’s top health concerns.

“We’re inviting all community residents to join us at our Community Conversation and join us on the journey of improving community health,” King added.

Residents that are unable to attend but would still like to share their ideas can use the online survey at https://bit.ly/LaCrosseCHIP.

To reach King email here or call 608-785-9808.