September 27, 2002

Media Contact:

Rosann Doran
Public Information Officer
303.438.6308

In a second research effort for Broomfield, students from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing are conducting a community assessment of the needs of the Broomfield youth population.

The public surveys and interviews of a pre-selected sample of community respondents will be conducted Oct. 2 - 4.

This year’s effort answers a request from City Council to take an in-depth look at the youth population. The assessment is in conjunction with last year’s survey, and will be used to determine what Broomfield residents view as health and human service strengths, and especially to identify some of the needs of the area’s infant to 18-year-old population.

CU nursing students will interview community members including teachers, child-care providers, parents, child welfare employees, nurses and social workers because of their key roles with youth.

The CU students will also invite residents to complete surveys and will analyze existing health, census, and community service data. Area schools and the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department have organized several focus groups with school-aged youths.

Last year’s assessment covered a wide range of populations and services, providing Broomfield with important baseline information for the new county. County Council asked the School of Nursing to take a more.

The final report from this year’s survey will be available to the public in early 2003. A copy of last year’s Community Assessment may be viewed at the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department.

Broomfield residents wishing to participate in this year’s assessment can contact Heather Freeman, Public Health Educator at 720-887-2276.