In New Canaan, the phrase “every voice counts” is more than just a saying—it’s a call to action. This month, the New Canaan Behavioral Health Alliance (NCBHA) is urging every resident over the age of 18 to participate in an anonymous, 5-minute Community Health & Well-being Survey.
It may seem like a small task, but its potential impact is enormous. The data collected could be the key to unlocking both state and federal funding that will help improve health services in our town. But that can only happen if enough residents participate.
This survey isn’t just another checkbox exercise. It’s a way for every member of the community to voice their needs, concerns, and experiences regarding physical and mental health. These insights will shape decisions on where resources should be directed in the future. This what this survey is all about—finding out what matters to you and using that information to improve services for everyone.
The NCBHA, formed in 2022, is a powerful coalition of over 30 local organizations, including the Town of New Canaan, Silver Hill Hospital, and various nonprofits, public services, and educational institutions. Their goal is simple: to advocate for the behavioral health needs of our community. The Community Health & Well-being Survey is their first major initiative, and it has the backing of leaders from across the town. The hope is to reach 100% participation among adults—an ambitious but crucial target if we want a full picture of our community’s health needs.
“This survey is crucial in helping us better understand our residents’ knowledge of the services that already exist and identify the gaps where additional support is needed,” said Dr. Andrew Gerber, President & Medical Director at Silver Hill Hospital. And he’s right. This isn’t just about tallying up numbers—it’s about making sure that those who need help the most aren’t slipping through the cracks.
The survey asks residents a range of questions—from access to local health services to life satisfaction and financial stability. It also includes questions about emotional health, substance use, and barriers to accessing physical and mental health services. For parents, there are additional questions about their children’s health and well-being. The idea is to create a holistic view of the community’s health—not just for one group, but for everyone.
“We intentionally wanted to be holistic and think about the adults and parents in their lives and just how we as individuals in this town are faring,” Patterson explained. That kind of broad scope is rare in community surveys, which often focus solely on youth. New Canaan is taking a more comprehensive approach, understanding that the health of parents and adults plays a critical role in the overall well-being of families.
For those who might think their voice doesn’t matter, look to other communities in Fairfield County that have completed similar surveys. Those towns used their data to secure funding and implement changes that addressed the needs identified in the survey. This isn’t a theoretical exercise—it has real, measurable outcomes.
New Canaan has always prided itself on civic engagement, and now is the time to step up once again.
The survey is available online at NewCanaanBHA.org, and paper copies can be picked up at locations like the New Canaan Library and YMCA. Results will be posted over time, and public discussions will follow, ensuring that this isn’t just a one-off exercise, but the beginning of an ongoing dialogue.
Ultimately, it takes the whole community to make meaningful change. Your 5-10 minutes could shape the future of health and well-being in New Canaan. Take the survey. Help guide the decisions that will make our town healthier, stronger, and better equipped to meet the needs of its residents. Every voice truly does count.
