Medical Center Health System announced on Friday 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 a myriad of local and other sources and identifies the greatest health needs in our community.
“We studied our hospital’s service area, which includes Ector County,” Christin Timmons, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Quality & Patient Experience, Medical Center Health System, part of the hospital leadership team involved in the study along with consulting partner, Community Hospital Consulting of Plano, Texas, stated in the press release. “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.”
Medical Center Health System has identified the most significant areas of focus over the coming months and years:
>> Continued Emphasis on Recruitment and Retention of Healthcare Workforce to Increase Access to Primary and Specialty Care.
>> Access to Mental and Behavioral Health Care Services and Providers.
>> Prevention, Education and Services to Address High Mortality Rates, Chronic Diseases, Preventable Conditions and Unhealthy Lifestyles.
>> 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.
“To continue moving forward, it is imperative we know the specific health needs of Ector County and the surrounding areas we serve,” Russell Tippin, Chief Executive Officer & President, Medical Center Health System, stated in the press release. “This report is instrumental in our development of specific health plans to meet the most urgent needs of this community.”
Along with Medical Center Health System 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 client 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.
