.

Local officials want to know what Marion County residents see as their most pressing health needs. To find out, the Department of Health in Marion County and Well Florida are asking community residents to take a brief survey at https://bit.ly/2GCLRFP and provide their feedback. Participants have a chance to win a $30 gift card when they complete the survey. All survey responses are anonymous.

The department will use the survey results to develop a formal community health needs assessment, followed by a five-year community improvement plan. The community improvement plan will seek to improve access and/or outcomes related to key health topics.

The department encourages all residents, health care and social service providers, businesses and faith-based organizations to share their views.

"Each of us has a different perspective on health care topics and what aspect of health may be considered most important," said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Health Officer Mark Lander. "However, only through getting feedback from a wide variety of residents, businesses and providers can we understand the full scope of challenges that exist and the different tactics that may be needed to achieve our community health goals."

Interested individuals have until April 30, 2019, to complete the survey. The community health needs assessment is slated for completion in summer 2019.

For additional information or to receive a printed version of the survey, contact Chris Abarca at cabarca@wellflorida.org or 352-727-3767.