By 1808Delaware
In the coming weeks, thousands of households across Delaware County will receive something that may seem routine at first glance, a survey arriving by mail. Behind that envelope is a broader effort now underway, one that will influence how health services are delivered, prioritized, and funded across the county in the years ahead.
The Partnership for a Healthy Delaware County is preparing to launch its 2026 Community Health Assessment, a comprehensive initiative designed to better understand the needs, challenges, and lived experiences of residents. The Partnership, a multi-sector coalition of local organizations, works alongside the Delaware County Health District to design, implement, and evaluate community health initiatives for people of all ages. It is a process rooted in coordination, but dependent on participation.
The assessment is designed to gather input from a wide cross-section of the community using several approaches, combining broad outreach with more targeted conversations. Approximately 3,400 randomly selected households will receive an anonymous survey by mail, targeting adults age 18 and older, with the option to respond online or by completing a paper version.
A broader community survey will also be available to any adult living in Delaware County, opening the process to those who were not selected for the initial mailing. In addition, focus groups will bring together specific populations to discuss health-related topics in greater depth, while interviews with community leaders and stakeholders will provide insight into larger system-level challenges and opportunities.
What distinguishes this Community Health Assessment is what will happen after the data is collected. Information gathered through surveys, focus groups, and interviews will be reviewed and prioritized by community partners, creating a shared understanding of the county’s most pressing health concerns. That process, in turn, will guide future planning and help align resources across organizations.
A direct invitation to residents
Health Commissioner Garrett Guillozet said that the success of the effort depends on meaningful participation from residents across the county.
“Understanding the health of our community starts with listening,” Guillozet said. “The Community Health Assessment gives every resident a voice and helps ensure our future efforts are guided by real experiences and needs across Delaware County.”
He added that residents who receive the mailed survey are especially encouraged to respond, noting that their input plays a direct role in shaping programs and services that affect daily life.
Setting priorities and investments
Community health assessments are conducted on a regular cycle, but each one reflects the conditions of a specific moment. In a county that continues to grow and change, the 2026 assessment arrives as population shifts, development patterns, and access to care continue to evolve. For residents, participation is straightforward, but its impact is not small. The information gathered in the months ahead will serve as a foundation for decisions that extend well beyond the survey itself, influencing priorities, investments, and the overall direction of community health efforts in Delaware County.
