The Stark County Health Department implemented a community survey and focus group to Stark County women between the ages of 18 to 44 years old regarding the system of care. A total of 303 women participated and the results identified the following priority areas: 1. Reduce barriers to accessing care; 2. Enhance patient and client care; and 3. Increase awareness of community resources and importance of receiving care. Due to their feedback, the health department created the Dear Stark Women campaign and landing page to make local services more accessible. The goal of the campaign is to make residents aware of resources that are available like after-hours care, affordable care, reproductive care, healthy relationships, mental health, and transportation.
“The Dear Stark Women campaign is an open letter of sorts to the women aged 18-44 that are county residents,” said Director of Administration and Support Services Kay Conley, MA, CHES. “The Dear Stark Women campaign landing page is a one-stop dashboard filled with over 150 local health resources.”
How did we get here? Approximately 47% of survey respondents skipped, cancelled, and/or delayed a healthcare, mental health, and/or social service appointment within the last 6 months, due to a barrier or past negative experience. Over the past year, the health department plans has worked with health care providers/clinics and social service agencies to implement evidence-based strategies and interventions targeting women (18-44).
Where will I see the campaign? The campaign is launching through social media, online at www.starkhealth.org, and through traditional marketing mediums. Residents will begin to see campaign materials at all of the local libraries, on SARTA buses, and in provider’s offices. PSAs will air on 1480 WHBC and Mix94.1. Commercials and social media content will be posted regularly to the health department’s social media accounts.
“Helping our community members address social, physical and mental health needs before, during and/or in between pregnancies is the best way to increase the overall health of women, children, and our community. Our department strives for a healthier community and this campaign supports that mission,” said Conley.
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