Officials to Study Public Health Needs

Public health officials will survey thousands of Ventura County residents in an effort to improve health care.

The survey, which will take place from now to March, is part of a nationwide study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Participants will answer questions about their health and nutrition. They also will visit a mobile examination center, where doctors, dentists and nutritionists will conduct various tests. All information will be kept confidential, health officials said.

The information will be used by public health officials, lawmakers and physicians in an effort to improve health programs and services throughout the nation.

Specifically, the data will help officials estimate how many Americans have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and tuberculosis. It will also help them identify specific health concerns of minority groups.