By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Barton County's health providers want to provide help. Sometimes they need a little assistance. The Barton County Health Department is currently working with area hospitals to determine the needs of residents. Director Karen Winkelman said they have already worked with The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus on a Community Health Needs Assessment. Staff is now gathering information from Ellinwood Community Hospital, and Clara Barton Hospital is on the schedule for next month.
"It's just what it says," Winkelman said. "It's a needs assessment to assess each community and see what needs are not being met, and also to look at needs that have been met. This helps identify gaps."
Data collection may be done through surveys, focus groups, or town hall meetings. Hospitals are required to do a community needs assessment every three years, and health departments must do an assessment every two years. The data not only helps caregivers meet the needs of the public, but the information can also be used to secure grant funding.
"We have a lot in common: mental health, mental health access, transportation to get to appointments or to get to those special appointments out of town," Winkelman said. "Another one has been access to health foods, farmer's markets, and things like that."
The spring is shaping up to be a busy one at the Barton County Health Department. DEA National Drug Takeback Day is Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the east side of the courthouse. The farmer's market returns to Jack Kilby Square on Thursdays starting in late May. The fourth annual Community Baby Shower is scheduled for Thursday, June 13.