Mariposa County Announces a Household Survey Will Be Conducted on October 25, 26, and 27
October 25, 2016 - The Mariposa County Health Department has released a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the current drought survey.
Drought Survey FAQ
We have received some great questions from the community and have created this Frequently Asked Question sheet to help answer the questions: Q: Why are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) participating in a survey in Mariposa County?
A: Both CDC and CDPH provide the resources we are not able to provide because we are a small county. Both the CDC and CDPH, like the Mariposa County Health Department, are interested in understanding the public health impact of drought in Mariposa and the western US states. Drought is the second leading most expensive disaster in the United States second only to hurricanes. Unlike hurricanes and other natural disasters, however, the disaster develops over a longer period of time and is often overlooked as a significant threat. Our participation in this study will help the county, state, and the federal governments have a better understanding of this ongoing disaster.
Q: Why is the Mariposa County Health Department asking questions about drought?
A: From the first drought year to the present, the Mariposa County Health Department has been keenly aware of the potential medical and health impacts related to the drought. There are several households in Mariposa County that have experienced dry or drying wells secondary to the drought. This presents several combined issues including decreased hand washing, potential use of non-potable water for drinking and cooking, and increased stress on the household income to purchase bottled water for consumption. As a result, the Mariposa County Health Department sought out ways to assist homeowners that could not afford to fix a dry or drying well by collaborating with the local Office of Emergency Services to obtain grant funding for potable water delivery service until the household can re-establish running water in the home.
Q: Why is the Mariposa County Health Department asking questions about tree mortality?
A: Last November, the Health Department completed the initial drought survey and received several concerns from the community about tree mortality. The concern and interest was so significant, it became statistically relevant (please see the CASPER survey data online at www.mariposacounty.org/health). The Health Department realizes the tree mortality is weighing heavily on the minds of homeowners in Mariposa County and has significantly impacted the environment and the homeowner’s finances. As a participant in the tree mortality task force, we knew we would have a great opportunity to help define the impact to our communities that will assist our local government in seeking assistance for response and recovery.
Q: How did I/we get selected to participate in this survey?
The process we are using is a survey method developed by the CDC to rapidly yet effectively assess the impacts of a disaster on the health of the public. Census data is used to identify tracts of areas that could be surveyed. Enough of these tracts are then selected randomly. Within each selected tract, houses are then selected systematically, say every seventh house. This will allow us to collect enough data to provide meaningful answers.
Q: Do I have to take the survey?
A: No, while we hope our communities understand the benefits we will receive, we understand if the homeowner prefers not to complete the drought survey. Please let the volunteer survey team know if you do not want to take the survey. During our last survey, we had an outstanding 75% participation rate from Mariposa Community Citizens – we appreciate your ongoing support to help us understand our communities medical and health needs.
Q: How is the information collected in the survey used?
A: The information obtained in this survey will be collected and compared to the last year’s survey. We are attempting to gauge improving or worsening conditions related to drought. Additionally, we will use the information to apply for grant funding and assistance related to the ongoing drought and tree mortality disaster response and recovery. All the information we request is not associated with any names or addresses and is compiled as a representation of our entire county.
Q: What are the results of the last survey?
A: Please visit www.mariposacounty.org/health for a copy of the Mariposa County CASPER Survey, 2015. One of the actions based on last year’s survey was increasing our education on gray water use in the county.
Q: How do I ask for more information?
A: Please contact the Mariposa County Health Department if you have any questions or concerns: 209-966-3689 or 800-459-4466.
Q: Why are we receiving NIXLE notices from the Sheriff’s Office about the survey?
A: The Mariposa County Health Department is always grateful for a nonemergency situation to practice emergency response skills. As an active member in the Mariposa County Joint Information System, we asked our collaborative partners: Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, Mariposa County Fire, Mariposa County Technical Services and the local media to help us get the word out. We will ask a question in the survey about if and how our message was received. Measuring our capability to share information immediately will help us understand how well we are able to warn the communities during a real emergency like a disease outbreak or air quality alert.
Source: Mariposa County Health Department
