Bozeman Health Seeks Community Input Through Health Needs Survey

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Bozeman Health is actively engaging with the Gallatin Valley community to address local health needs.

The hospital has launched a Community Health Needs Assessment survey, aiming to gather direct input from residents.  

Every three years, Bozeman Health sends out this survey to Gallatin County residents.  

The feedback helps the hospital staff identify the most pressing health concerns within the community.  

Steven Sweeney, a community member, emphasized the importance of staying current with vaccines.  

"For me, particularly vaccines are really the most important thing that I think that we really need to stay on top of," he said.  

The assessment assists Bozeman Health staff in drafting a Community Health Action Plan, outlining strategies based on community feedback. 

Staff at the Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center focus on four major healthcare areas through the survey. Kallie Kujawa, Chief Operating Officer at B.H.D.R.M.C., highlighted these areas.  

"We had four areas that really guided our work over the past three years, and the first was mental health. The second was chronic disease prevention. The third was access to healthcare, and then the fourth was socioeconomic and health measures," said Kujawa.  

The need for prioritization around mental health resources is echoed by community members.  

Seth Beardsley, a Montana State University student, noted the disparity in mental health resources.  

"Being college students, we have a lot of resources on campus for like, mental health offices and stuff, but people in Bozeman that aren’t college students don’t have a lot of resources to like, find help for mental health," he said.  

Mason Yohn, another student, stressed the importance of seeking help.  

"Everyone’s just balancing a lot in their life, so, you never know what people are going through, and it's always important to like, ask for help if you need someone, and I think it’s great that Bozeman is doing this," said Yohn.  

The Community Health Needs Assessment is now open and will remain available for Gallatin County residents to fill out until April 30.  

The survey can be accessed online at prcsurvey.com.