Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)

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Overview

Emerson Health conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) every three years to evaluate local health challenges and guide initiatives to enhance community health in line with the 501(r) of the Affordable Care Act. The latest CHNA took place from January to September 2024.

The Report

The CHNA report contains data from existing sources such as the U.S. Census, the CDC Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, the Emerson Hospital Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and findings from the 2023 Department of Public Health Community Health Equity Survey.

The report also includes input from community residents and stakeholders, including those with special knowledge of local and state public health departments, representatives from councils on aging, and representatives of medically underserved, low-income, and minority populations. Focus groups were also conducted to gather input from food pantry participants, high school students, and community members.

Based on the 2024 CHNA findings, Emerson Health, in partnership with community partners, prioritized the following health needs:

  1. Financial Stability
  2. Healthcare Access
  3. Mental Health

The full report presents data for each identified need and focus area. We use a strong community engagement process to develop a Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) to work towards improving the community’s health over the next three years.

Access the Report

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