Live Well Lincoln wants input from Lincoln County residents on the health issues that are affecting the residents in Lincoln County. “Live Well Lincoln includes partners from various sectors and the missing piece to our puzzle is not having you aboard,” said Live Well Lincoln representatives in a recent press release. Live Well Lincoln’s partners represent Lincoln County Health Department, Aspirus Health, Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin, and Lincoln County Department of Social Services. But now they need and want individuals from within the community to get more involved, as well. “We are inviting the public to participate in the development of our Community Health Assessment to make Lincoln County the healthiest county in Wisconsin,” they said.
“Community input will allow us to find new perspectives on the overall health issues and allow Live Well Lincoln to put these different strategies in place in order to address health challenges within our communities. We invite you, as a member of our community, to allow your voice to be heard and participate in the development of a five-year community health plan for Lincoln County.”
The process for developing the community health plan started in the fall of 2022 when the public was asked to complete a community health opinion survey. Over 755 community members completed the survey either online or via a paper copy. Results of that survey showed the public’s greatest health concerns to be:
• Mental Health
• Obesity (Physical Inactivity/ Poor Nutrition)
• Awareness/Support for the Aging Population
On Jan. 26, 2023, partners from various sectors of the community will meet to review these health priorities. There will also be a discussion on community strengths, assets, barriers, and opportunities for improvement.
The next step in this process is community action planning. Live Well Lincoln is inviting the public to join local coalitions to participate in workgroups for these selected health priorities of mental health, obesity (physical inactivity/ poor nutrition), and awareness/support for the aging populations. “You can be a part in making a difference to the residents of Lincoln County,” said Shelley Hersil, Health Officer and Director of Lincoln County Health Department. “Coming together is critical in taking action on making healthy changes to Lincoln County as a community and to start improving the health of all the residents.”
Anyone interested in serving on a workgroup, providing feedback on those health priorities, or who wants to become a member of a community coalition should contact Danielle Bender, Community Health Planner, Lincoln County Health Department at 715.536.0307 or [email protected].
For more information about Lincoln County Health Department’s programs and services, visit lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find them on Facebook. Lincoln County Health Department is always striving for a safer and healthier Lincoln County.
Live Well Lincoln’s mission is to promote partnerships within the community to improve health through advocacy, prevention, and implementation of best practices.