2026 Community Health Assessment in Chaffee County: Your Voice Can Shape the Next Five Years
Learn why the 2026 Community Health Assessment matters in Chaffee County, how your feedback helps improve local health resources and community services, and where to find support through the Chaffee Resources Directory.
Help Shape the Future of Health in Chaffee County
What makes Chaffee County a great place to live, work, and raise a family? The answer comes from the people who call this community home.
Every five years, Chaffee County Public Health conducts a Community Health Assessment (CHA) to better understand the health needs, strengths, and priorities of residents throughout Salida, Buena Vista, Poncha Springs, and surrounding communities. The results help guide decisions about local programs, partnerships, and funding to improve health and well-being across the county.
The 2026 Community Health Assessment survey is now open, and every response helps ensure community resources reflect the real needs of our residents.
What Is a Community Health Assessment?
A Community Health Assessment is a countywide effort to gather input from people who live, work, and spend time in Chaffee County. Rather than relying only on statistics, the assessment asks residents about their everyday experiences and the challenges and opportunities they see in their community.
Your feedback helps identify priorities for the next five years and informs how local organizations work together to improve health outcomes.
Topics covered in the survey include:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Access to healthcare
- Affordability of healthcare
- Housing
- Transportation
- Substance use
- Aging in the community
These are all important factors that influence quality of life and help determine where additional community support and health resources may be needed.
Why Your Participation Matters
Every resident experiences Chaffee County differently.
A parent raising young children may have different concerns than an older adult, a high school student, or someone who recently moved to the area. The Community Health Assessment helps ensure these different perspectives are represented.
By participating, you can help:
- Identify gaps in local health resources
- Improve access to community programs
- Support future funding opportunities
- Guide local organizations toward the issues that matter most
- Strengthen partnerships across Chaffee County
The more residents who participate, the more accurately the assessment reflects the needs of our community.
How the Results Are Used
The Community Health Assessment isn't simply a survey—it becomes a roadmap for community action.
The information collected helps:
- Prioritize public health initiatives
- Inform nonprofit and healthcare organizations
- Support grant applications
- Guide prevention programs
- Improve collaboration between local partners
- Plan services for the next five years
Many of the programs available in Chaffee County today have been shaped by community feedback gathered through previous assessments.
Who Should Complete the Survey?
Everyone.
Whether you've lived in Chaffee County your entire life or recently moved here, your experiences are valuable.
The survey is designed for community members of all ages and backgrounds, including:
- Parents and caregivers
- Older adults
- Young adults
- Students
- Business owners
- Employees
- Retirees
- Anyone who lives or works in Chaffee County
There are no right or wrong answers—only your perspective.
Find Local Support in Chaffee County
The Community Health Assessment identifies where residents need more support—but if you're looking for help today, you don't have to wait.
The Chaffee Resources Directory connects residents with local organizations and support services, including:
- Mental health resources
- Healthcare providers
- Family and parenting support
- Youth programs
- Housing assistance
- Transportation services
- Food assistance
- Aging and caregiver resources
- Financial assistance
- Wellness programs
- Local nonprofit organizations
Whether you're looking for information for yourself, a family member, or someone you care about, the directory can help connect you with local community resources throughout Chaffee County.
How to Participate
The 2026 Community Health Assessment survey is confidential and runs July 27 through September 30.
It only takes a few minutes to complete, but the impact can last for years by helping shape future programs and services in Chaffee County.
You can participate by taking the survey HERE!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Community Health Assessment survey confidential?
Yes. Responses are confidential and will be combined with others to help identify countywide trends and priorities.
Why does Chaffee County Public Health conduct this survey?
The assessment helps identify the community's greatest health needs and strengths so local organizations can plan programs, pursue funding, and improve services for residents.
Who can complete the survey?
Anyone who lives, works, or spends significant time in Chaffee County is encouraged to participate.
How long does the survey take?
Most people can complete the survey in just 6-8 minutes.
Help Build a Healthier Chaffee County
Strong communities are built by listening to the people who live in them.
By taking a few minutes to complete the 2026 Community Health Assessment, you're helping shape decisions that will influence local health resources, community support services, and wellness programs for years to come.
After completing the survey, be sure to explore the Chaffee Resources Directory to discover local organizations, health resources, and support services available throughout Chaffee County. Whether you're looking for help today or simply want to learn more about what's available in our community, local support is just a few clicks away.