How does Larimer County compare to other communities when it comes to health? You may get the chance to help answer that question in the coming weeks.

This month, randomly selected residents of Larimer County will begin receiving postcards and letters asking them to participate in the Health District’s 2010 Community Health Survey. By participating, you not only help the Health District take the pulse of our community, but you also enable local organizations to plan more effectively for our community’s future.

The written survey asks people questions on a variety of health-related topics — everything from whether they can afford their prescriptions, to how often they exercise. All responses are confidential; the Health District has no access to the names of survey participants.

The Health District has done a similar survey every three years since 1995. More than 3,000 county residents took part in the 2007 survey.

Information gathered over the years has revealed much about the health, and health needs, of the community. For example, the last survey showed that fewer county residents were smoking, but also that more people were becoming overweight.

The Health District uses all of this information to design programs and services that help improve the health of the community. Data also is shared with other local organizations working on health issues. Often the information is used in applications for grants that bring outside dollars into the community.

This year, the survey is supported in part by the Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation and the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

The Community Health Survey is actually the first in a two-part process the Health District uses for community assessment. Later this fall, the Health District also will hold a series of community discussion groups where residents can share their views about local health needs.