Aug. 15, 2025. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH), in collaboration with Renown Health and other community partners, is inviting Washoe County residents to participate in a focus group to help shape local health initiatives and earn a $25 gif card.

The focus groups, starting in September, include a 75-minute conversation about your experiences, priorities, and concerns related to health and wellness in your neighborhood. Your feedback will directly inform local health initiatives, policies, and community planning efforts over the next several years, including in the 2026-29 Washoe County Community Health Assessment (CHA).

Chosen participants will receive a $25 gift card for participating in a focus group.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to complete a short interest form or call 775-328-2493 to reserve a spot.

“This is an opportunity for community members to make their voices heard and shape the future of public health in Washoe County,” said Chad Kingsley, MD, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “We want to better understand what matters most to residents when it comes to their health and the well-being of their communities.”

“Renown Health is proud to partner with Northern Nevada Public Health in this important initiative,” said Kerry Kelly, MPH, Community Health Program Manager, Renown Health. “We believe that understanding and addressing the specific needs of our residents is crucial to building a healthier Washoe County.”

The CHA is a vital tool for identifying local health needs and disparities. It will inform the development of NNPH’s 2026–2029 Community Health Improvement Plan, which outlines top priorities and a collaborative action plan to improve health outcomes across the county.

To see how previous assessments have shaped local health initiatives, residents are encouraged to read the 2022–2025 Washoe County Community Health Assessment and 2022–2025 Community Health Improvement Plan.

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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Population Health. More info can be found here.