ESCANABA – OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group is requesting help from the local community to determine and prioritize health needs. A survey is now available, and residents can participate by filling it out online or completing a paper copy.

OSF HealthCare hospitals conduct community health needs assessments every three years and put together plans to meet the community needs that the assessments identify. After data is collected and each community’s health needs are prioritized by greatest need, administrative and caregiver teams at OSF HealthCare work together to further support current community-based health programs and services, as well as starting new programs to help meet the needs for each community.

“The Upper Peninsula has unique healthcare needs,” said Kelly Jefferson, president of OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. “Through this survey, we endeavor to gather valuable information from our community members to help us focus our efforts on the challenges and opportunities unique to Delta County, particularly in underserved populations.”

The previous Community Health Needs Assessment in 2021 identified two significant health needs, healthy behaviors and behavioral health. With this feedback, OSF was able to implement several community activities and sponsorships surrounding these needs. These activities included wellbeing and nutrition campaigns, supporting food assistance and education, as well as the support of behavioral health and substance abuse through increased community education and resources.

The survey impacting OSF St. Francis Hospital will be available until August 31. For more information, visit Community Health | OSF HealthCare. To obtain paper copies or a Spanish version of the survey, contact Danielle Carlson, community relations coordinator at (906) 233-4204.