County to Conduct Assessment of Unmet Health Needs After Sandy

COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Department of Health will be conducting a survey to assess the unmet health and well-being needs of those affected by Superstorm Sandy.
“Although there has been much progress made, some families and communities are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy,” said Freeholder Kristine Gabor. “The resulting information will aid in addressing infrastructure recovery gaps so that impacted individuals and families can connect to vital health, mental health and social services programs,” added Gabor.
Questionnaires are to be completed by one on one interviews, distributed to community organizations and focus groups. The survey will request information concerning personal health and well-being, services used, personal loss and other resources used during the storm. The end results will aid in the following well-being and readiness efforts:
• Identify outstanding recovery needs of our communities and work to address these needs;
• Provide education to increase awareness of programs and resources available to families and individuals; and
• Increase awareness regarding “Register Ready – New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters,” a free, voluntary and confidential on-line registry designed to identify the needs of people who may find it difficult to maintain their safety in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Health Officer Kevin Thomas said, “The results of this effort will help ensure that outstanding health and social service needs of Superstorm Sandy survivors are identified and addressed.”
To make a difference in your community, your participation is needed. Paper surveys will be available at County libraries, community centers and senior centers. The Health and Well-being Survey can also be completed on-line at www.cmchealth.net.
For additional information, contact Joanna Gomola at 609-463-6689 or via email to jgomola@co.cape-may.nj.us.