Common themes from focus groups overall

ONE

The Health Department needs to improve the promotion of the services offered, and do so bilingually as well. A very common comment was that the residents of the community found out about a service that would have benefited them after it had already passed.

TWO

Concern and frustration with health care coverage for the middle class or as one participant described it “the middle gap,” where those who make too much to qualify for aid or assistance but don’t make enough to be able to afford to buy good healthcare coverage are left with no options.

THREE

Waiting time for health care, and difficulty getting appointments for low income healthcare services; residents were pleased with the care that they received with these services but talked about the difficulty getting to that point.

FOUR

There was much confusion with services and the roles of WMHD and Midtown Clinic and Weber Human Services.

FIVE

The most common aspects of living in Weber County that residents liked most are the mountains, access to the outdoors, and the trails.

SIX

Another common thing that residents liked was feeling that the area has a slower, calmer pace of life than larger cities.

SEVEN

When talking about emergency preparedness most felt unprepared and said that part of it was to blame on taking their safety for granted and not feeling the need. Another barrier for this is lower income residents not being able to afford the supplies for something like a 72-hour kit.

EIGHT

Many felt that the area is safe, including some residents of Ogden the more perceived “dangerous” part of the county.

NINE

Volunteer opportunities and many who volunteer were also mentioned throughout groups as a positive of living in the community.

TEN

Ogden City School District was discussed in nearly each group with an overall feeling of dissatisfaction.