HERMANN – Gasconade County residents have until the end of this month to take part in a survey aimed at identifying the most pressing health issues facing the public. Information provided through the survey will be used by state and county public health officials in crafting programs focused on the top health issues.

Conducted as part of the state’s Better Communities for Better Health initiative, the survey is available in one of two ways: By picking up a hard copy version at the Hermann or Owensville offices of the Gasconade County Health Department or by going online to the department’s website.

The program of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is being funded through a grant obtained by the county. Anita Berwanger is the coordinator of the program in Gasconade County. She explained the program is a three-year effort that has been extended into a fourth year.

“In July, the Gasconade County Health Department, in partnership with the University of Missouri Assessment Resource Center, conducted two community focus groups. The first was held in Hermann on July 18, with seven residents of the northern part of the county. A second focus group was conducted virtually via ZOOM on July 20 and included 11 residents primarily from the southern part of the county,” Berwanger said. “These discussions provided representation from various demographics of Gasconade County and generated important information to complement survey findings and support community health planning and chronic disease prevention efforts,” she added.

“Focus group participants reviewed county health data showing that rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, poor nutrition, substance use, tobacco use and physical inactivity exceed state averages. Follow-up questions were asked to explore each of these topics further,” she said.

“The Hermann focus group identified Gasconade County’s health challenges as interconnected and shaped by personal behaviors, economic conditions, healthcare access, community culture and mental health. Participants expressed concern about obesity, poor nutrition, chronic disease, substance use and mental health, while highlighting community strengths such as strong social networks, local resources, and neighbor support. Rather than focusing on individual diseases, participants emphasized cross-cutting priorities, nutrition, mental health, obesity prevention, and community awareness, as areas where sustained efforts could improve overall health and well-being,” Berwanger said.

The program coordinator said participants attending the virtual focus group described the county’s health challenges as interconnected and shaped by economic, social, behavioral and healthcare factors. Key concerns included obesity, poor nutrition, substance and tobacco use, diabetes and physical inactivity, along with barriers such as transportation, lack of insurance, financial hardship, and limited awareness of local resources.

“Participants emphasized the need for better communication and promotion of existing services, as well as more accessible opportunities for physical activity,” Berwanger said.

While substance abuse prevention emerged as the top priority, participants agreed that improving nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention, and mental health could positively affect multiple health outcomes. Overall, residents supported approaches that address root causes, increase awareness of resources, and promote long-term community health improvements, she added.

The survey will be available through the end of this month, she said.

What’s next? The survey will be analyzed to reveal the top two issues selected most often by survey respondents. In the fall, the health department will conduct readiness assessments of these topics in town hall meetings, where community input will be sought to select the number one priority to be addressed in the disease prevention plan.