Every three years, the Wilkes County Health Department in partnership with Wilkes Regional Medical Center and the Health Foundation release the community health needs assessment survey. During this time community members are able to complete the survey and provide their thoughts on the health status and needs of Wilkes County. The results from the survey along with other health data makes up the health assessment report. Based on the information in the report, the community then decides on three priorities to work on improving over the next three years. The past three years, the health department has been focused on substance abuse and mental health, chronic disease prevention, and tobacco cessation. Not only does the health department and hospital use this information for planning and programming, but other non-profits and community agencies use it for grant writing and fundraising. So, please take 10 minutes to help improve the health and well being of Wilkes County. Also, participants are entered for a chance to win one of several $100 gift cards.  To take or share the survey use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WCHDCHA18.