A two-year community health assessment has been completed.

Findings are being revealed in a series of public forums in Junction City this week.

Strengths and assets that were determined for the community included education and services delivered by the Geary County Health Department, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Junction City Police Department, and Geary Community Hospital. There were also motivated community members and supportive leadership.

Perceived community challenges included:

–A lack of available and affordable health food options

–There are few environments that support physical activity

–Quality of life is perceived as worse for individuals and families with lower incomes

–Access to healthcare has improved, but barriers and limited use of preventative health services persist

–There is inadequate access to dental health services and a lack of mental health services

–Transportation has improved but barriers still exist limiting access to healthcare and employment

–Some community members perceive safety as a concern

–High quality affordable housing is limited for those with low incomes

–Regulation of alcohol and tobacco is perceived as a relative strength, while others perceive too much access to alcohol and tobacco in the community is an ongoing challenge.

Conditions for promoting health were also noted. They included several examples of community collaboration, but some also perceived community partnerships could be stronger.

And some groups are marginalized due to communication barriers and historical patterns of exclusion.

The public has had an opportunity to give their input during the forums.