OCALA, Fla. (April 27, 2015)—Marion County residents are invited to share their views on health and health care in their community by taking a 10 to 15 minute survey. A partnership of health care facilities and WellFlorida Council, the region’s health council and consultant for health causes, are conducting the survey from April to June 2015. Residents’ input will be used to assess Marion County’s most pressing health needs and to develop a community health improvement plan for the county.

By participating in the survey, residents have the chance to voice their concerns and win a $50 Visa gift card.

To take the survey online go to the WellFlorida website www.wellflorida.org  and select Surveys, or go directly to www.surveymonkey.com/s/marionhealth2015.

This survey is also being distributed throughout Marion County by the following partners who are supporting the health needs assessment and the community health improvement plan:

Marion County Hospital District

Florida Department of Health in Marion County

Heart of Florida Health Center

Ocala Health

Munroe Regional Medical Center

Hospice of Marion County s

The Centers

The survey is available as a PDF, hard copy or online form in English and Spanish.

WellFlorida and the partners listed above will also be reaching out to health care providers and the business community for input into Marion County’s health needs and plan.

A community health improvement plan (or CHIP) is based on the results of the health needs assessment and provides a long-term plan for developing policies and targeting efforts that promote health. Survey participation is key to prioritizing health issues that impact residents.