Speak to Your Health! Community Survey: A tool for community capacity building and policy for health promotion

Background: The Speak to Your Health! (STYH) community survey was developed collaboratively with community, government, health, and university partners of the Prevention Research Center of Michigan (PRC/MI) in recognition of the necessity for local data to develop and evaluate health programs and policies. The STYH survey was designed to monitor and understand community health concerns; examine the social determinants of health; measure impact of PRC/MI and other initiatives on community health outcomes; and promote health in local communities. Methods: The STYH is a demographically representative, biennial countywide health survey of non-institutionalized Genesee County residents 18 years and older conducted since 2003. Random samples of households are drawn from Genesee Country census tracts. Final data is weighted in consideration of sampling strategy and demographic distribution. Results: Data from the STYH survey has had far-reaching impact on the local health department 5-year strategic plan; evidence-base for local program needs; evaluation of community health promotion efforts; and empowerment of local faith leaders with neighborhood health data. The STYH survey has been used by local college and university students, staff, and faculty who use the data in project development. Community members also access the data through a simple, online process. Specialized community presentations with a specific health focus were developed, including one which facilitated the creation of the award winning Clio Healthy Community Initiative. Conclusions: The STYH survey demonstrates that using the principles of community-based participatory research, valuable quantitative data for addressing local public health policy and planning can be effectively collected and utilized.