To improve the community's health, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has released its 2022 community health survey.

"This survey is our best tool for understanding the health concerns and needs of Weld County residents," said Cindy Kronauge, senior data analyst, in a news release.

Kronauge has led the county's efforts to collect population-level health data since the survey first launched in 2007.

"We really cannot do this without the generous help of residents," she said. "We encourage everyone who receives an invitation to please participate."

WCDPHE conducts the surveys every three years and uses the results to get ideas on how to provide better services to improve the health of its residents. This year's survey will include questions about a variety of topics including affordable housing and access to mental health services. Residents of Weld County will receive an invitation by mail, encouraging them to participate.

For those who choose to participate in the survey, responses will be confidential. 

According to officials, the county has grown rapidly in the last few years. The number of survey respondents rose to about 17,000 from 10,000 in 2019. The survey was open from early May through mid-June and offered in English and Spanish.

Key findings from the 2019 community health survey were:

• Three out of 10 adults reported experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health problems.

• About one in three low-income residents reported having unstable housing.

• More than 50% of adult residents have one or more health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma.

• The county's uninsured rate was the lowest it has ever been at 6.5%.

To view data and reports from past surveys, go to https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Health-and-Environment/Data-and-Reports.