Mower County Public Health is currently in the middle of its community health services assessment, a report it submits to the state every four years in order to qualify for state funding.

In it, public health officials analyze public health's priorities in six categories.

Public health has already administered a public survey and organized a community health services advisory committee comprised of community members in different areas of the county.

The committee will make recommendations, which public health will take to the Mower County board of commissioners for approval. The report will then be sent to the state for approval.

But that won't happen until fall.

Right now public health is looking for input from county residents.

"Now is the time that people who live in Mower County to communicate to their county commissioners or to me what they feel public health should focus on,"

said Margene Gunderson, director of community health services.

Public health is assessing the following areas: disease prevention and control, environmental health, family health, health promotion, home health and emergency medical services.

Along with public input, the county is looking at county health statistics, trend data and analyzing the goals it made four years ago.

"To see the plan in action is rewarding," Gunderson said.

The final plan will be presented to the public Aug. 21.

To share your thought on what public health should focus on, call your county commissioner.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com