Laud Dei, the unit's epidemiologist, says the survey results will help his team tailor programs and services to each community, especially in parts of town that have historically had less access to health care.
"Our aim is to help people to improve their quality of life. One of the best things that we can do is understand their health status," Dei said.
The survey asks about common health conditions and diseases, including heart problems, diabetes and sexually transmitted infections, as well as information about the last time they needed medical attention.
The four-page questionnaire is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese until May 9. It is the first of its kind from the agency, and will not be the last. Dei says they'll periodically survey people in town about health care issues and access. Individual survey results are confidential, and the department will study the findings to guide programming decisions.
"We will be able to draw our strategies and give them the right support when we understand the exact health problems that we have in these communities," Dei said.
Fire department staff have twice extended the survey deadline to collect more responses, and translated the surveys into Spanish and Vietnamese after receiving requests from the community, Dei said. Public health employees will also set up computers where people can complete the survey during a community wellness fair at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Bob Duncan Center at 2800 S. Center St.
Around 203 has people responded to the survey as of 1 p.m. Friday, April 22, Dei said.
The fire department launched its Public Health Unit last year to focus on providing resources to historically underserved communities. The department received funding in the city's 2022 budget to create 45 new firefighter and two public health positions in an effort to expand public health efforts and lower emergency response times. The department in 2021 opened its Public Health Unit building at 2920 S. Cooper St., where it has offered free COVID-19 vaccinations. The center is designed to be a central location for public outreach.
Free first- and second-dose COVID vaccinations are available with no appointment necessary between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the public health unit building.
Got a tip? Email Kailey Broussard at kbroussard@kera.org. You can follow Kailey on Twitter @KaileyBroussard.
KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
