Rapides Foundation: Health calls aren't a scam but effort to improve community

Central Louisiana residents might get phone calls from someone with questions about their health soon, but it's not a scam.

It's time again for The Rapides Foundation's Community Health Needs Assessment, which is a phone survey that stretches from September through November in its nine-parish area: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.

An independent research firm, Professional Research Consultants, Inc., of Omaha, Nebraska, will be calling Cenla residents in an effort to identify major health problems, service gaps and "other factors which may contribute to less than optimal health status for residents of Central Louisiana," reads a news release.

All answers are confidential and are not linked to specific individuals. The calls are not a solicitation for money or a fundraising effort, according to the information provided.

A statement from the foundation reads: "Community opinions and feedback are vital to the foundation’s work. If your family receives a call regarding the community health assessment, the foundation would greatly appreciate your help and participation in this research."

Results will help the foundation plan its strategies and goals for improving the community's health. Final results are planned to be released in early 2022.

Find out about past assessments at the foundation's website, www.rapidesfoundation.org, under the Newsroom tab. Anyone with specific questions regarding the survey should call 318-443-3394 or 800-994-3394.