FDRHPO Releases Findings of 10th Annual Community Health Survey

2025 survey includes several updates to reflect the 2025–2030 NYS Prevention Agenda 

The 10^th Annual Community Health Survey of Adult Residents in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties has been completed for 2025. This year’s participation reached 1,497 individuals across the region, resulting in an average margin of error of ±2.9%. To date, 17,188 individuals have participated since the first survey in 2016.

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 2025 survey includes several updates to reflect the 2025–2030 New York State Prevention Agenda, and its emphasis on social determinants of health (SDoH). New questions were added this year to explore issues like financial strain, housing insecurity, caregiving responsibilities, childhood adversity, and the impact of social media.

Survey questions are developed and updated annually by North Country Health Compass Partners, a group that 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: 

• A majority (62%) of respondents reported that they trust local doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers the most when it comes to health information, surpassing medical websites, social media, friends and family, or national news outlets.

• Nearly half of all respondents (50%) reported at least one healthcare access issue in the past year, with long wait times to receive an appointment (45%) cited as the top challenge.

• Preventive screenings are the highest rates observed to date, with 85% of adults (ages 45-75) reporting having had a colorectal cancer screening and 80% of women (ages 40-75) having received a mammogram within the recommended timelines.

• When asked to rate their physical, dental, and mental health, only 35% of adults rated their physical health as “excellent” or “very good”. This is the lowest level recorded in the eight years this question has been asked.

• Traditional cigarette use has declined to 11%, down from 17% in 2021, while vaping has risen to 9%, up from a low of 8.4% in that same year.

• Roughly 28% of adults reported providing at least one hour of unpaid care to an aging or disabled family member or friend. Approximately 12% reported providing 10 or more hours per week, with 5% providing over 40 hours.

• When asked if they could cover an unexpected $500 expense without borrowing or using a credit card, 51% of respondents said they were “very confident”, while 28% said they were not confident.

• One in four adults (25%) reported having experienced three or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction during childhood. Crosstab analysis shows significant links between high ACEs scores and poorer mental and physical health outcomes.

• 75% of respondents said that social media or smartphone use interferes with quality time, work, or daily priorities at least “sometimes”, with 47% saying it happens “often” or “very often”.

“The annual Community Health Survey (CHS) helps turn local data into meaningful action. For example, past survey responses identified gaps in colorectal and breast cancer screening rates across the region. In response to this, we collaborated with local partners to implement targeted outreach and programming, leading to improved screening rates over time.”

Mr. Fontana continued, “Colorectal cancer screening rates among adults 45 and older improved significantly in recent years, climbing from 66% in 2022 to 85% in 2025, thanks to targeted community outreach and education efforts. Mammography screening has also shown steady improvement over the past several years, with overall screening rates among women 18 and older rising by 24% between 2018 and 2024."

Now in its 10th year, the annual Community Health Survey results continue to provide valuable data on community health perceptions and behaviors, helping stakeholders monitor health trends as residents establish their regular healthcare routines. These new insights will directly inform upcoming Community Health Assessments (CHAs) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs), helping regional stakeholders identify disparities, align resources, and target the most pressing health 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 Pat Fontana, Deputy Director at FDRHPO. “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 2025 Community Health Survey, follow this link.

For additional information, please contact Kayla Quinn by emailing kquinn@fdrhpo.org.