Visioning session looks to future

The Hays County Local Health Department is entering Phase 2 of its project to amass data and knowledge regarding health issues now and as much as five years in the future.

In making this a reality, the community is asked to participate in a visioning session at the San Marcos Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. in meeting Room B (105) at the San Marcos Public Library, located at 625 E Hopkins St.

Individuals may go to www.healthyhays.org to share their thoughts on health if attending in person is not possible.

HCLHD and Initium Health are co-hosting the session as part of the broader Community Health Assessment now underway.

Identifying health-related trends is a large part of this process, as the community is in a post-COVID environment, but does face growing health issues. HCLHD Director Tammy Crumley earlier stated that the event offers county residents a chance to have a voice in this important conversation as this assessment will help determine directions the county takes in the future.

Matthew R. Gonzales, Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager for HCLHD, appeared Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Hays County Commissioners Court, and told those present that the session today is integral to adding to the Phase 1 said that all county voices matter and can be expected to be heard during today’s session.

Hays County Commissioners Court Judge Ruben Becerra said that this process is vital to the county and important to all residents.

This new community visioning process is designed to represent the consensus of all neighborhoods, ages and interest groups across the community as to what a healthy Hays County should look and feel like in 2023 and beyond.

The input gathered today will assist Initium in developing a vision statement for addressing areas that require improvement, according to session organizers.