Taney County Health Department Begins "Building Communities for Better Health" Initiative

The Taney County Health Department is beginning a process to help county residents suffering from chronic diseases.

Building Communities for Better Health is a multi-year grant funded by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. The goal of the project is to identify the most pressing chronic disease issues facing Taney County residents through community feedback and engagement.

During a recent interview on KRZK's "Ozarks Now" program, Program Coordinator Kendra Findley said the grant is three and a half years in length and will help the public understand what chronic diseases are and how they can impact quality of life. Findley added that chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and approximately 60% of U.S. adults live with at least one chronic condition.

The first part of the process is getting public input, and Findley says Taney County Residents can take a survey online or take part in a pair of focus groups, the first Tuesday at Bridge of Faith Community Church in Rockaway Beach followed by another group Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks on Bee Creek Road in Branson. Times for both focus groups will be 6:00 to 7:00 pm. 

The online survey can be found on the Taney County Health Department Website while the full interview with Kendra Findley can be found below: