The state Department of Public Health wants residents to fill out a survey about the health challenges their communities face and where resources should be directed.
DPH said the Community Health Equity Initiative will use the survey results to improve its programs, make decisions about funding and resources, and support policies to improve health inequities.
“To improve the health of people in Massachusetts, we need to hear from everyone, including the communities and individuals who have been too long denied an equal chance at health,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein.
“We know Black and Brown communities have historically faced barriers to health, as have those who are disabled and many who were not born in this country,” he added. “These communities have traditionally been left out of the conversation. It is especially important for their voices and experiences to be heard.”
Residents will be asked to answer questions on topics such as: Access to basic needs, like health care and transportation; physical and mental health and wellbeing; experiences with COVID-19; experiences with housing, education, and work; and demographic information, such as age, gender, and race.
The Community Health Equity Survey is anonymous, does not ask for identifying information such as immigration status, and cannot be connected back to residents in any way.
DPH wants to hear from a broad range of residents, including people and communities often disproportionately affected by health emergencies.
Surveys are especially needed from people experiencing housing insecurity, frontline workers, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ+, older adults (aged 60-plus), parents and caregivers of children with special health care needs, people who are pregnant, rural residents, people who speak a primary language other than English, parents under 25, young people (aged 14 to 24), veterans, and immigrants.
The survey will be available through early fall. Anyone aged 14 and older can take the survey. It takes about 15 to 25 minutes to complete, and is available in 11 languages.
To take the survey, visit www.mass.gov/resource/community-health-equity-initiative.
