June 14, 2022

Community Hospital is pleased to announce that it has issued its latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), 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, which includes Red Willow County,” said Baleigh Abbott, Population Health & Outreach Coordinator, Community Hospital, part of the hospital leadership team 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:

• Prevention, Education and Services to Address High Mortality Rates, Chronic Diseases, Preventable Conditions and Unhealthy Lifestyles
• Focus on the Needs of the Aging Population
• Continued Emphasis on Recruitment and Retention of Healthcare Workforce to Increase Access to Primary Care and Specialty Care
• Access to Affordable Care and Reducing Health Disparities Among Specific Populations
• Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care Services and Providers
• Continued Focus on COVID-19 Prevention & Response

As part of the Affordable Care Act, 501(c)3 hospitals are required to complete a CHNA once every three years.

“Our new vision, ‘Cultivating healthy communities through progressive & proactive care,’ reflects our passion to identify and meet the health needs of our community and Red Willow County,” added Troy Bruntz, Community Hospital President & CEO. “This analysis and collaboration across community health partners will help improve services, access and the health of our diverse community over time.”

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) (depending on the clients needs) 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 here https://chmccook.org/about/community-health-needs-assessment.html. Information on how to provide feedback is included at the end of the report, as well as at the site of the report download.

About Community Hospital
Built in 1974, Community Hospital is a 25-bed critical access, not-for-profit facility. As a regional hospital, we are equipped to care for the more than 30,000 people who live in our referral area. McCook Clinic, which provides a wide range of family health care services, is located on the Community Hospital campus. Community Hospital’s Medical Specialists Center provides an excellent location for the more than 30 visiting medical specialists who come to McCook on a regular basis, to provide close-to-home medical care. We also have rural health care clinics in Trenton and Curtis, Nebraska.

Community Hospital has proactively embraced the latest technologies, employs the most qualified medical professionals, and encourages our staff to pursue continuing education. Our services include numerous diagnostic procedures, home health and hospice, OB and nursery, rehabilitation services, surgical services, emergency care, cancer services and behavioral health services.

About Community Hospital Corporation – HELP WHERE HOSPITALS NEED IT®
Community Hospital Corporation owns, manages and consults with hospitals through three distinct organizations – CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE, which share a common purpose to guide, support and enhance the mission of community hospitals and healthcare providers. Based in Plano, Texas, CHC provides the resources and experience community hospitals need to improve quality outcomes, patient satisfaction and financial performance. For more information about CHC, please visit www.communityhospitalcorp.com.