11th Annual Community Health Survey Results Released
2026 survey highlights increased preventative cancer screenings, identifies affordability pressures, and challenges accessing care
The 11th Annual Community Health Survey of adults in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties is now complete. The 2026 results show encouraging gains in routine cancer screenings and dental care, while also identifying affordability, declining self-reported health, and growing barriers to local healthcare as key concerns.
Each year, the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) conducts a Community Health Survey to better understand the health behaviors, concerns, and needs of residents across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. The 2026 survey examined affordability and food security, housing stability, concerns about aging, chronic conditions, self-reported physical, mental, and dental health, trust in health information, healthcare access, and use or consideration of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
Survey questions are developed and updated annually by North Country Health Compass Partners. This group includes representatives from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County public health departments, hospitals, healthcare facilities, behavioral health clinics, and a wide range of community-based organizations dedicated to community wellness. Some questions stay the same from previous years, while others are newly created each year to address current needs.
“The Community Health Survey is a resource that our stakeholders look forward to each year,” said Kayla Quinn, Population Health Coordinator at Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO). “The data collected and released showcases the health needs of the community, and we can tailor the survey questions from year to year as we monitor health trends from previous years. It’s a valuable resource for our partners and our communities.”
Key findings:
Routine cancer screening participation remained strong. Among adults ages 45 – 75, 84% reported having a colorectal cancer screening, a significant increase from 66%. Among women ages 40 – 75, 85% reported having a mammogram within the past two years, the highest rate recorded.
Routine dental care also showed a positive rebound. 67% of North Country residents reported having a dental cleaning within the past year, up significantly from the 2020 low of 55% and now in line with pre-pandemic reporting.
More than one in five residents (21%) reported eating less or skipping meals in the past year because there was not enough money for food.
Housing stability worsened: 16.4% reported that their current living situation was not steady, including 15.9% who were worried about losing their housing and 0.5% who were homeless. Concern about losing housing more than doubled from 7.5% in 2024.
Confidence in covering an unexpected $500 expense declined. The share who were “very confident” fell from 51% in 2025 to 46% in 2026, while those who were “not at all confident” rose from 16% to 23%.
Two-thirds of adults (67%) reported having been diagnosed with at least one chronic condition, with particularly notable recent increases in obesity and mental health conditions.
From 2018 to 2026, the share of respondents rating their health as “excellent” or “very good” reached record lows, declining to 34% for physical health, 25% for mental health, and 17% for dental health.
Healthcare providers remained the most trusted source of health information at 65%, down from 70% in 2016. Reliance on personal experience, intuition, and instinct rose from 12% in 2016 to 23% in 2026.
More than half of residents (53%) reported difficulty accessing local healthcare in the past year, up from 42% in 2023. Long wait times were the leading challenge at 48%, followed by a lack of available providers at 18%; cost of care was cited by 8%.
Eighteen percent of adults reported currently taking a GLP-1 weight-loss medication. Among those not taking one, 20% said they were considering discussing the medication with their primary care provider, an estimated combined 34% of adults taking or considering a GLP-1 medication.
“The annual Community Health Survey helps turn local data into meaningful action. The 2026 findings show that affordability, housing stability, chronic conditions, and timely access to providers are the most pressing challenges for North Country residents. These results give our partners a clearer picture of where focused outreach, collaboration, and resources are needed most,” said Pat Fontana, Deputy Director at FDRHPO.
Now in its 11th year, the annual Community Health Survey continues to provide valuable data on community health perceptions, conditions, and behaviors. The 2026 insights will help regional stakeholders identify disparities, align resources, and target the most pressing needs of North Country residents.
“The insights gained from the Community Health Survey are invaluable. This data not only highlights the unique challenges our rural communities face but also empowers stakeholders to develop targeted, effective solutions that address the specific health-related needs of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties,” said Mr. Fontana. “Our goal is to leverage these findings to make informed decisions that will improve health outcomes across the region.”
Questions and comments can be directed here. For a full copy of the 2026 Community Health Survey, please contact FDRHPO.
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