Help Needed

Results

We were next interested in assessing what types of help groups felt they needed. Most communities indicated that there were many areas where they wanted help. Over 70% of respondents indicated that help was either "somewhat needed" or "very needed" on almost every item we asked about. One quarter to one-half of all respondents indicated that help was "very needed" on every item asked about.

Using a similar scoring mechanism as was described above, we assigned a score indicating, "how much needed" groups described each form of assistance. The following are the results:

We then wanted to find out about communities that would have an interest in working "intensively" with River Network on the environmental health concern, while we develop our tool. Forty-three percent indicated such a desire; another 49% indicated that they were unsure (presumably they were interested but needed more information or needed to check with their community).

Lastly, River Network wanted to find out how many groups were interested in networking with other communities. Fifty-five percent of respondents indicated that they were. Another 16% indicated that they were uncertain.

Discussion

Clearly the vast majority of those surveyed indicated that they very much want help to better assess the links between water contamination and human health problems. Each area where help is most needed coincides with each of the specific components of the health assessment tool that River Network is working to develop. Monitoring has always been a major focus area for River Network, although we were not planning to focus our initial health assessments efforts as much in this area. We may now have to re-think that in light of this feedback. Overall, the results are very supportive of the importance and direction of our health assessment project.