AMARILLO – Amarillo Public Health is embarking on its first Community Health Assessment since 2018 and is calling for input from all residents. The findings from the assessment will help guide health and social service providers to better address the needs of Amarillo, with the goal of creating a healthier community for all.
“We want to hear from the community about what makes Amarillo a healthy place to live and what improvements can be made to ensure the health and well-being of our residents,” said Casie Stoughton, MPH, RN, Director of Amarillo Public Health.
To aid in this effort, Amarillo Public Health has partnered with Initium Health, a public health consulting firm based in Denver, Colorado, following a nationwide search. Initium Health will facilitate community listening sessions, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and administer surveys to residents to gather essential data. The comprehensive findings will be shared in early 2025.
“We are excited to lead community-based listening sessions, engage with key stakeholders, and work closely with the Amarillo community to identify and address the most pressing health needs,” said James Corbett, MDiv, JD, Principal at Initium Health.
Two surveys will be distributed as part of the assessment, available in both English and Spanish:
• Maternal Health Survey: Targeting households with children under five in Potter, Randall, Deaf Smith, Gray, Parmer, and Swisher counties. This survey is conducted in collaboration with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the Vibrant Moms project, with funding from the National Institutes of Health.
• General Health Survey: Focusing on broader health topics, this survey will be available to residents of Potter and Randall counties.
Results from these surveys will help inform future public health strategies and ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Deputy Director of Engagement & Innovation Kristen Wolbach by email at kristen.wolbach@amarillo.gov.