Take the Survey, Shape the Future

The future of health in Door County starts with you.

In your experience, what are the most important health priorities in our community? What isn't working and what would it take to make it better? If you live or work in Door County, we want to hear from you. Make your voice heard by completing the 2025 Community Health Survey, which is now open through August 31, 2025.

Led by Healthy Door County, a coalition of public health professionals, nonprofit leaders, healthcare providers, and educators, the anonymous survey is part of the state-mandated Community Health Assessment (CHA). The results of the CHA are used to develop the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)*. This five-year roadmap addresses local health priorities and expands access to care, resources, and support.

"The Community Health Survey is a cornerstone of our planning process," said Shauna Blackledge, Public Health Strategist for Door County Public Health. "It helps us understand what people are experiencing and use that insight to guide our work."

Every response helps build a clearer picture of health in Door County. Survey participants are given the option to share their input in their own words and to raise issues that may not be listed. The survey explores a wide range of topics, including:

• Physical and mental health
• Access to care
• Housing and transportation
• Food security
• Cultural considerations
• Overall quality of life

Combined with public health data, interviews, and listening sessions, the survey helps local partners set goals, pursue funding, and collaborate on meaningful change.

"This is one of the most direct ways community members can influence our priorities," Blackledge said. "It only takes a few minutes but helps guide five years of decisions."

Your Input in Action

Previous Community Health Improvement Plans have already resulted in real, measurable improvements. For example:

A growing concern for mental health led to expanded services and support across the county.

A past survey helped secure resources to open a free dental clinic at Door County Medical Center.

Local organizations have utilized data from these assessments to inform grant applications and foster cross-sector partnerships.

"These outcomes don't just happen," said Blackledge. "They start with people speaking up about what they're experiencing, and organizations listening and acting together."

How do I take the survey?

The anonymous survey is now open through August 31, 2025, to anyone 16 years or older who lives or works in Door County. Whether you've just arrived or lived here your whole life, your perspective is valuable, as are the voices of your neighbors, coworkers, and family members. The more people who respond, the better we understand our community's needs, and the stronger the solutions we can build together.

The survey is available online. ¡La Encuesta de Salud Comunitaria está disponible en español! Use el menú desplegable para alternar entre inglés y español.

Paper copies are available at Door County Public Health, the ADRC, local meal sites, and other partner locations.

You might also spot the survey team at farmers' markets, community events, or the county fair. "We're working hard to reach people across all walks of life," Blackledge said. "Especially those who might not be heard through traditional outreach."

Five minutes today, five years of impact.

Complete the Community Health Survey by August 31, 2025.

Help spread the word. Share the link with family and friends, or mention it at your next book club, staff meeting, or family dinner.

Win a $25 gift card. As a thank-you for participating, you can opt in for a chance to win a $25 gift card from Destination Door County. A new winner will be drawn every week.

Learn more about Healthy Door County, which is comprised of Door County Public Health, Door County Medical Center, United Way of Door County, UW-Extension, and Destination Door County. For more information, contact Shauna via sblackledge@co.door.wi.us or call 920-746-2233.

* Door County Public Health is mandated by state law to evaluate community health and develop improvement plans every five years. As a nonprofit hospital, Door County Medical Center is required to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and an Implementation Strategy (IS) every three years. Although the timelines vary, we coordinate our efforts as much as possible through our partnership in Healthy Door County.