Northern Nevada Public Health and Renown are looking for people to join a focus group meant to help shape local health initiatives.
The focus groups are scheduled to start in September.
The feedback will directly inform local health initiatives, policies, and community efforts over the next several years, including in the 2026-29 Washoe County Community Health Assessment.
Renown and Northern Nevada Public Health hold these assessments every three years.
They say their focus groups are a way they can get the community engaged in the data that's being collected.
It is also a way for community members to give their opinions on the health of the community overall.
"We're looking to hear from the community directly as far as what are the health concerns that you face in the community," said Mike Escobar, the program coordinator for Northern Nevada Public Health. "What are the barriers to health that you see? Basically, what's working well and what's not working well, and how can we work together to address those things."
Kerry Kelly, the community health program manager for Renown Health, says, "If you are living in Washoe County, you are welcome to come and share your voice and share your perspectives on what you do. how you live, how you receive services in our county, and we just want to hear from you. We want to hear your voice, and we want to make sure your voice is heard."
The Community Health Assessment is used to compile all the information that they have within Washoe County to make informed decisions about health and living within the county.
It's also a way for them to gauge what the health concerns are in the community, how people feel about them, and how the organizations can come together to address those concerns.
The data also shines a light on which health needs should take priority over others.
"This and that have come up in previous health assessments that we've done," said Escobar. "There have been people concerned about mental health and access to health care. Those are not the only two by any means, but those are the two that are top of mind and that continue being issues in the community."
Kelly says, "Through this process we're committed to building a stronger, healthier Washoe County for all of the community members that we serve."
If you would like to be a part of the focus group, you can apply by clicking the link here.
