Pathways Community Perception Survey Results

 Crawford County says “more sidewalks, bike paths, and walking paths.”
 
In 2017, Live Well Crawford County conducted a survey to examine the perceptions of Crawford County community members about the issues of healthy eating, active living, and tobacco cessation. The community perception survey was a part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant that was received by Live Well Crawford County.  Pathways is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas initiative.  266 community members took the time to complete the survey. Here are a few key findings from the survey results.
 
Finding #1: About 50% of the survey participants expressed concern that there were not enough sidewalks, bike paths, and walking paths in Crawford County. The respondents indicated that having access to these facilities could support participation in safe physical activity. The built environment is key in promoting and developing a healthier community.
Action to be Taken: With available Pathways’ funding, Live Well Crawford County is working with the Active Transportation Advisory Boards and other community partners to implement a Complete Streets Policy which would increase the number of sidewalks, bike paths, and walking paths to create more opportunities for active living.

Finding #2: Only 26% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that food retail stores encourage healthy habits, even though the majority agreed that there are enough healthy items available.   
Action to be Taken: Live Well Crawford County through the Pathways initiative, is working with grocery stores and other food retailers to not only make sure those healthy items are available, but to assess their store and identify opportunities to encourage healthy shopping through increased signage and store set-up.
 
Finding #3: 83% of survey respondents were either neutral or in favor of a tobacco free grounds at worksites. In Crawford County, smoking at the workplace has become a topic for discussion in regards to employees and their rights and protection of their overall health at work, in addition to employers and the overall health of their workers. 
Action to be Taken:  Crawford County is currently working with 10 worksites implementing a worksite wellness plan that would promote a tobacco policy on the worksite grounds.  
In addition to the work Live Well Crawford County is doing with grocery stores, restaurants and worksites, we are also working with schools, hospitals and healthcare providers to bring exciting healthy changes to our community!
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For more information about the survey or the Pathways initiative, contact Brad Strout at [email protected]  Follow our efforts on Twitter @livewellcrawco or Facebook at Live Well Crawford County.