Walkable communities, safer playgrounds and the economy.

These are just a few of the concerns Oneida County residents have when it comes to their overall health.

The Oneida County Health Department conducted a series of "Visioning Sessions" during the months of May and June to see what factors the community thinks are contributing to the decline or success of the area's health.

Other issues identified include lack of specialty healthcare providers, violence and vandalism and more physical activities year-round.

Studies show as much as 70% of a region's health is influenced by social circumstances and environmental conditions.

Krista Drake of the Oneida County Health Department said the feedback will be used inconjunction with data being collected from local health and community agencies to create a Public Health Assessment.

County health departments are required by the state to write a health assessment every four years to identify trends that pose potential threats or opportunities to the health of a region.

"It's really important we include what the community wants as well as what the data shows us when we talk about moving ahead and addressing the priorities of the county," Drake said.

Oneida County is also participating in the state's Prevention Agenda for the Healthiest State.

Health department officials must work with area hospitals to identify two to three local health priorities and implement strategies to address those needs in the year 2010.