Moon Township, PA, (November 27, 2012) – If you are a resident of western Allegheny or Beaver counties, your household may be called on to help improve the health of the community.

Heritage Valley Health System is conducting a telephone survey to determine health status and needs of residents in western Allegheny and Beaver counties.  Beginning November 26, 2012, 400 randomly selected households will be called at their home telephone number to participate in a health assessment survey.  The questions are designed to determine areas where western Allegheny and Beaver counties are healthier than other communities across the state and nation, and areas of opportunities for community health improvement.  The survey is completely anonymous and confidential.   
                                                                                                                                               
Heritage Valley Health System is conducting the survey as part of a Community Health Needs Assessment.   “Obtaining information directly from residents ensures we have representation from the whole community and helps us pinpoint where to direct resources to improve community health and measure our existing efforts,” said Dr. Daniel Brooks, vice president of community health services at Heritage Valley Health System.

The survey may ask about access to health care; health risk behaviors such as smoking, alcohol and drugs, exercise and physical activity habits; health conditions such diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or stroke; and awareness of hypertension and cholesterol. The call is expected to take about 15 minutes. 

Holleran, a research firm located in Pennsylvania with 20 years of experience in conducting stakeholder research and community health assessments, will conduct the survey on behalf of Heritage Valley Health System. If you have caller ID, the number for Holleran may show up as a 717 area code.  Please answer the call.  

If you are unavailable at the time of the call, multiple attempts will be made.  Additionally, residents may schedule a more convenient time to take the survey or anyone in the area may call 1-800-218-6468 to participate.  Calls began November 26, 2012 and will end in early January 2013.