Bridgeport Hospital Starts Community Health Assessment

Regional Collaborative to Launch Community Health Assessment

The Primary Care Action Group (PCAG), a collaborative of area hospitals, community health centers, health departments and other organizations in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull, is undertaking a community health assessment to gain a better understanding of the health and health practices of area residents. Feedback from the survey will help guide future health planning in the region.

A student group from the Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health is conducting the survey in person from now through Dec. 14. The survey can also be accessed online. In addition, interviews and focus groups with community leaders and stakeholders, arranged by local health departments and healthcare providers, will take place during the week of Dec. 7.

“Many people likely have strong ideas about the health issues facing them, their families and their communities,” said Bridgeport Director of Health and Social Services Kristin duBay Horton, who co-chairs the PCAG with Stratford Director of Health Andrea Boissevain. “Now is their chance to be heard.”

“The assessment is a starting point for identifying the area’s most pressing health issues and then developing or expanding programs and services to improve the overall health of community residents,” adds Boissevain. “We are seeking input from as many people as possible.”

Residents of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull may take the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/GreaterBridgeportHealthSurvey. The survey should take only a few minutes to complete.

The PCAG focuses enhancing on access to healthcare services for the community. Members include Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Optimus Health Care, Southwest Community Health Center, the Bridgeport, Stratford, Fairfield, Trumbull, Monroe and Easton Health Departments, AmeriCares, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Greater Bridgeport Medical Association, Southwestern Area Health Education Center and Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition.

For more information about the survey, please contact:

• Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health, Stratford, 203-385-4090
• Sands Cleary, Director of Health, Fairfield, 203-256-3020
• Kristin duBay Horton, Director of Health & Social Services, Bridgeport, 203-576-7680
• Polly Edwards, Health Officer, Easton, 203-268-6291
• Patrice Sulik, Director of Health, Trumbull/Monroe, 203-452-5195