In front of a packed meeting room, officials with the Putnam County Community Foundation laid out the findings from a 2023 Community Needs Assessment Survey, and according to officials it is similar to what was seen in 2019 before the global pandemic. 

Neysa Meyer, executive director of the Putnam County Community Foundation, admitted she was not surprised with the data as it correlates to the last time a community needs assessment survey was done. 

The PCCF conducted the community needs assessment with the goal of being able to identify and prioritize needs and assets in Putnam County, unite organizations and resources and create solutions that produce significant and lasting results, according to officials. 

The work was done through interviews with community leaders, focus groups, public surveys and public listening sessions, and there were constant themes that came up in the sessions. 

According to officials, housing, healthcare, mental health and addiction and childcare were the overwhelming constant themes. 

The survey found there are 37,301 residents in the county, 15,295 housing units, 55.5 percent of residents 16 or older are in the workforce, 89.1 percent have high school diplomas or an equivalent, while just under 18 percent have a four-year degree or higher. In addition, almost half of students are enrolled in free or reduced lunch and 12 percent of residents live in poverty. 

Of those surveyed, 28 percent have lived in Putnam County 20-plus years, while 25.69 percent were born and raised in Putnam County. 

Those surveyed said the top issues that were "very important" to them were: safe neighborhoods, access to quality healthcare options, strong school systems, adequate job opportunities to make a living wage, strong and healthy families and trusted community leadership. 

Of issues, over half of those responding said addiction and illegal drug use was the top issue, while inadequate mental health treatment options and resources, inadequate job opportunities to make a living wage, lack of affordable and diverse housing options and resources, limited access to quality healthcare options, inadequate safe, public spaces for youth outside of school and food insecurity also ranked as top issues. 

Meyer said the issues facing Putnam County are similar to what other areas of the state sees.

When it comes to those who reported being below average income, addiction and inadequate mental health treatment were the top issues. 

Meyer said the community foundation struggled to hear back from men, those younger than 18 and low income residents. 

In December, a final community needs assessment report will be published and comprehensive, local data will be made available to the public in 2024. 

Meyer said she hopes the information is shared so the foundation can make decisions based on what the community wants.