Needs Assessment for Indian River County to Take Place in 2019

(Vero Beach, Fla. – April 4, 2019) Indian River Community Foundation, the United Way of Indian River County, the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County and the Children’s Services Advisory Committee have joined together to produce a comprehensive community needs assessment for Indian River County. This participatory survey will be conducted through 2019, with findings reported to the community in the spring of 2020.
“According to the United Way of Indian River County’s ALICE Report, 51 percent of the county’s 55,000 households struggle to pay for basic needs,” said Michael Kint, the United Way’s CEO. “Last year, millions of dollars were donated to local charities working to provide education, health, housing and other human services to these households. Millions more in tax dollars were allocated by government agencies to address similar community needs. In spite of this support, unmet service needs persist.”
The community needs assessment will attempt to address these unmet needs and gaps by identifying and quantifying the conditions, needs and assets of the Indian River County community. It will then analyze the access and delivery of resources to county residents. Finally, it will provide findings that will allow community leaders and other residents to develop priorities and strategies to address identified needs and gaps while utilizing and mobilizing existing resources. Q-Q Research Consultants have been retained to conduct the research, which will involve an advisory committee.
“It is our hope that this community needs assessment will produce a resource that can help stakeholders to work toward effective solutions,” said Jeff Pickering, President and CEO of Indian River Community Foundation.
“We are delighted to participate in this collaborative, multidisciplinary needs assessment that will improve health in our community,” said Miranda Hawker, MPH, Health Officer and Chair of Children’s Services Advisory Committee.
Additional support for the project is being provided by Indian River County, the John’s Island Community Service League, John’s Island Foundation and Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club. More information about the progress of the community needs assessment will be shared at www.ircommunityfoundation.org, www.unitedwayirc.org and www.indianriver.floridahealth.gov