We know good health doesn’t start in the doctor’s office. It begins where our employees live their lives and how they connect to their communities.

Research shows people with more social support and less isolation live longer and healthier lives. Think about your employees outside of work. Do they attend a church? Play in an adult recreation league? Volunteer at their children’s school?

Mesa County Public Health took a close look at social connections and community engagement in the most recent community health needs assessment. 

Our team looked at the number of churches, farmers markets, gyms, libraries, parks, recreation centers, schools, senior centers and sports fields across the county to understand social connections. We learned these social resources aren’t evenly distributed, and some people could struggle with transportation to participate. To assess community engagement, our team looked at such activities as volunteering and voting.

The results from the needs assessment help health care, non-profit and government agencies make improvements.

Mesa County government is working on improving social connections. Over the past 18 months, Mesa County leaders held community meetings to inform residents about the community halls project. The project is intended to promote civic pride, social interaction and volunteerism.

Plans are in the works to build community halls in Clifton, De Beque, the Loma and Mack area and Whitewater. 

The Clifton project involves a collaboration among Mesa County, Mesa County Public Health, Mesa County Libraries and the Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families. Groundbreaking is expected this fall, and amenities will include a town hall for events, child care center and library. This project was directed and enhanced by community input.

County government is a big part of your employees’ lives. Mesa County maintains the roads they take to get to work and trails they use with their families after work. 

An upcoming county community survey is an important and convenient way for your staff to engage in the community. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and asks questions about customer service with county services, quality of life and issues citizens want the county to address. Every household in the county will receive a postcard with information about the survey. It will be available in English and Spanish. Mobile and desktop versions of the survey will be offered as will a paper version for those who request it.

County leaders will use survey results to inform budgeting and planning and set priorities.

Mesa County Public Health will use the information about outdoor recreation, quality of life and social connections to support community initiatives to help every Mesa County resident thrive.

There are simple ways to support your employees as they build connections and engage in the community:

Encourage them to take the county community survey.

Share new posts from Mesa County, available at blog.mesacounty.us.

Allow for flexible scheduling to attend community events.

Provide opportunities for volunteering.

Organize a company sports team through Fruita, Grand Junction or Palisade recreation.

Regularly share information about the free and low-cost events offered in the community.