Health District releases test version of smart phone app

The Lake County General Health District is seeking feedback on its new smart phone app.

The health district has recently released the test version of the free app for health notifications and reporting. It is available on Google Play and the AppStore and can be found by searching “LCGHD Health Alerts.”

According to a new release, the app is intended to alert individuals when there is a foodborne outbreak, food recall, disease outbreak or other emergency.

Health district officials said the test version is being released so that feedback from the public regarding content and function may be

collected before extensive development.

“Far too often, agencies forget to obtain feedback from our customers prior to program or service development and forge ahead without appropriate, and very valuable, input,” health commissioner Ron Graham said. “This will allow us to develop functions that are important to our residents in their communities.”

The health district is planning on developing a mechanism to report nuisance complaints, food service complaints, smokefree workplace violations, the ability to receive food recalls, and access restaurant inspections on mobile devices.

“We touch the lives of everyone in Lake County, and it’s important that we embrace technology to reach our residents in the communities we serve,” Graham said. “It’s about government efficiency and keeping pace with enhancing our communication to protect the public.”

The feedback period runs through June 14. Feedback and suggestions may be directed to Graham via email at rgraham@lcghd.org or by calling 440-350-2358.

The test version will also help determine the “scope and received value” of the app by tracking the number of downloads, according to the news release. Officials said that while there are limitations of what apps can do, they are welcoming feedback on potential functions to develop for the next 12 to 18 months.

“We understand that people are busy, and they do not want alerts and notifications overwhelming their phone and their lives,” Graham said.

“Users will be able to opt in or out of specific notifications, for example food recalls or mosquito spray schedules. The focus is to have the application be as flexible as possible.”