Greater Fargo-Moorhead Health Needs Assessment Survey Results

December 2012

The Greater Fargo-Moorhead Community Health Needs Assessment Collaborative conducted surveys in April and May 2012.  The purpose of the surveys was to learn about the perceptions of area residents and key leaders regarding the resident population’s health and prevalence of disease and health issues within the community.  Two separate surveys were conducted, a generalizable mail survey of area residents and a non-generalizable survey of area leaders that was conducted at a breakfast meeting and by an online survey.

Survey Findings

Survey findings tell us that residents and community leaders of the greater Fargo-Moorhead community agree that people in their community are friendly, helpful, and supportive and that there is a sense of community and feeling connected to people who live here.  Survey respondents also feel strongly that their community is a healthy place to live and a good place to raise kids, and that there are quality higher education opportunities and institutions, as well as quality school systems and programs for youth.

Regarding children and youth, respondents indicated that bullying and the availability and cost of quality child care in their community are their top concerns.  Top concerns directed at the aging population are:

  • The availability and cost of long-term care
  • The availability of resources to help the elderly stay in their homes
  • The availability of resources for family and friends caring for elders

Access to health care issues are of great concern to survey respondents, including costs associated with health insurance, health care, and prescription drugs.  With respect to health and wellness concerns, survey respondents are most concerned with:

  • The costs associated with health care (i.e., health insurance, health care, and prescription drugs)
  • The adequacy of health insurance (i.e., amount of co-pays, deductibles)
  • Access to health insurance coverage (e.g., pre-existing conditions)

Regarding physical and mental health issues, community leaders in the greater Fargo-Moorhead area are most concerned about obesity, poor nutrition and eating habits, and inactivity or lack of exercise.  On the other hand, area residents are most concerned about cancer, chronic disease, and obesity.

Next Steps

The Collaborative is in the process of utilizing the survey results along with other components of the needs assessment in order to determine prioirities and strategies in order to work collaboratively to address the health needs of the greater Fargo-Moorhead community.

North Dakota Compass

Center for Social Research
North Dakota State University

Compass created by:
Wilder Research

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