The Rapides Foundation announces the release of the 2010 Community Health Assessment – a systematic, data-driven report on the health, behaviors and needs of residents in Central Louisiana.

The assessment is a follow-up to similar research conducted in the area in 1997, 2002 and 2005. The Rapides Foundation contracts with independent experts to perform these assessments in order to assure that its initiatives and grant decisions are based on current, valid and locally specific data. This information may also be used by communities and organizations to make informed decisions and guide efforts to improve community health and wellness.

Professional Research Consultants Inc. of Omaha, Neb., conducted the assessment, which studied The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.

The survey instrument used for this study was based largely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and customized questions addressing gaps in indicator data relative to health promotion and disease prevention objectives and other recognized health issues. The final survey instrument was developed by The Rapides Foundation and Professional Research Consultants, and is similar to the previous surveys used in the region, allowing for data trending and comparisons with the rest of the state and nation, ultimately providing more insight into the health of our communities.

View the assessment online.
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