McCook, Neb. – Community Hospital is pleased to announce that it has issued its latest Community Health Needs Assessment, a report following a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the community’s healthcare use, practices and needs.

The CHNA report includes health-related information from myriad local and other sources and identifies the greatest health needs in our community.

“We studied our hospital’s service area,” said Troy Bruntz, Community Hospital President and CEO involved in the study along with consulting partner, Community Hospital Consulting (CHC Consulting) of Plano, Texas. “The analyses include a careful review of the most current health data available, local demographics and input from several representatives of our community. The CHNA process is very thorough and culminates in a blueprint CHNA report and implementation plan intended to address our area’s most significant needs over the next three years.”

Community Hospital has identified the most significant areas of focus over the coming months and years: 
•    Access to Affordable Care and Reducing Health Disparities Among Specific Populations
•    Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care Services and Providers
•    Continued Emphasis on Recruitment and Retention of Healthcare Workforce to Increase Access to Primary and Specialty Care
•    Prevention, Education and Services to Address High Mortality Rates, Chronic Diseases, Preventable Conditions and Unhealthy Lifestyles

As part of the Affordable Care Act, tax-exempt hospitals are required to complete a CHNA once every three years.

“This analysis and collaboration across community health partners will help improve services, access and the health of our diverse community over time,” adds Bruntz.

Along with Community Hospital leadership, CHC Consulting’s experienced Planning Team led the CHNA process and produced the final report. CHC Consulting has conducted more than 100 CHNA reports for hospitals and other health care organizations using proven processes that line up with IRS regulations. CHC Consulting’s knowledgeable team produces CHNA reports, facilitates certain CHNA step(s), and/or reviews CHNA and Implementation Plans for accuracy once completed by individual hospitals.

Benefits derived from performing a CHNA include:
•    Improved relationships and communications with local civic organizations and state and local public health organizations
•    Accurate performance metrics and benchmarks for quantifying future progress
•    Increased understanding of local health and wellness needs

CHNAs typically identify top health and social concerns, including: 
•    Chronic health issues like diabetes, obesity and heart problems
•    Mental health issues
•    Substance abuse with opioids, alcohol and illicit drugs
•    Attracting and retaining high-quality medical professionals
•    Attracting younger families to rural communities
•    Achieving access to healthcare
•    Providing sufficient access to primary care and elder care

Community Hospital invites all community members to provide feedback on its CHNA and Implementation Plan report. To view or download the full CHNA report, please visit our website at https://chmccook.org/about/community-health-needs-assessment. Information on how to provide feedback is included at the end of the report.