By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
A survey about access to health and wellness resources has been circulating the village since March 14th. The six-question survey is targeted for Valemount residents of all demographics, asking respondents for their opinion on the various health services available in the village.
Organized by an ad hoc committee of the Valemount Collaborative Community Table, results will be used to inform future decision-making about the Collaborative’s advocacy, says Collaborative member Pete Pearson.
“It’s an informational thing to guide future programming,” Pearson told The Goat. “If we get 200 people saying, ‘I had to go out of town for a certain test,’ well, it’s probably not in the budget to bring that equipment here, but maybe we can figure out a way to do something.”
Pearson said the survey is designed to be completed in under two minutes. Respondents indicate whether they use services such as home support, physiotherapy, alternative medicine, or if these services are inaccessible to them. They can also indicate if the services are working well or need improvement.
Additionally, the survey asks respondents to name the health services they access outside of Valemount, if applicable. It ends by asking for general comments on the health services available in Valemount.
Pearson said that the survey was designed by a diverse group of people who each brought a valuable perspective to the table.
“Everybody has a bit of a different viewpoint on what needs to be done on the survey. So I think with the group we had, we kind of covered all the bases and got it out there for everybody,” he said.
The survey, which debuted at the seniors’ luncheon earlier in March, is open until April 14th. Paper copies can be picked up and submitted at the IGA, IDA Pharmacy, Health Centre, Library, Municipal Office, and Robson Valley Community Services. The survey will also be posted on the Valemount Bulletin Board Facebook page, or accessed here.
