BURLINGTON - In 2004, Fletcher Allen Health Care, United Way of Chittenden County and Champlain Initiative launched an effort to seek public input about health and human service needs in the community. The 2004 survey contributed information to a blueprint that helped guide health care priorities for Fletcher Allen and local community service organizations, and was to be incorporated into a statewide health resource allocation plan.  An updated survey is being sent to the community to see if the priorities identified in 2004 have changed.

People living in Chittenden County may take the survey anytime between Monday, April 24, and May 15, 2006.  Any member of the public is invited to complete a survey.

In 2003, the Vermont Legislature passed legislation -- Act 53 -- requiring hospitals to conduct community needs assessments and annual hospital reports. Both tools are intended to help Fletcher Allen and hospitals throughout the state assess health care needs and identify the resources necessary to meet those needs.

The on-line and printed version of the survey includes several questions. Residents are asked to list what they think are the best things about the community, the top health and wellness concerns and the top problems facing the community, along with solutions.

Information gathered from the 2006 survey will be incorporated into Fletcher Allen's strategic planning efforts to help guide the development of health care programs and services at Fletcher Allen and in the community.

The survey can be taken electronically through Fletcher Allen's Web site or via a downloadable printed survey.  To download the survey, go to http://www.fletcherallen.org/health_improvement and click to print the survey, or to take the survey electronically, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=903972024209. For more information, contact Penrose Jackson at Fletcher Allen Community Health Improvement at (802) 847-2278.

About Fletcher Allen Health Care

Fletcher Allen Health Care, in alliance with the University of Vermont College of Medicine, is Vermont's only academic medical center and one of 125 in the country. Founded in 1995, through the merger of Fanny Allen Hospital, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, and University Health Center, Fletcher Allen Health Care serves one million people in Vermont and northern New York. The organization provides care at more than 40 sites and 100 outreach clinics, programs, and services in the region.