Crawford County Memorial Hospital is now focusing on a crucial initiative: the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). This isn’t just another survey; it’s a powerful tool that allows the residents of Crawford County to directly influence the health services and programs offered by CCMH.
Brandi Ruskell, Marketing and Development Coordinator at CCMH, says the CHNA is a mandated process, required every three years. It’s designed to identify the most pressing health needs within Crawford County.
“It’s more than a formality; it’s a chance to ensure our local healthcare providers are addressing the issues that matter most our residents. This year’s assessment involves a comprehensive approach, including online surveys and focus groups, to gather diverse perspectives.”
Understanding Our Community’s Needs
According to Ruskell, the process begins with extensive research, drawing on data from sources like the University of Wisconsin.
“There are a number of research groups that help us understand the demographic and health landscape of Crawford County. This includes analyzing factors such as smoking rates, poverty levels, and access to healthcare. This data forms the foundation for the CHNA survey.”
The goal is to understand what our community feels are the most critical health needs, Ruskell explained.
“Are we facing challenges with obesity, diabetes, or other chronic conditions? Are there barriers to accessing healthcare that need to be addressed? The focus groups, involving both CCMH staff and the public, aim to gather in-depth insights into these questions.”
From Assessment to Action
The CHNA isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about driving change. Ruskell notes the information gathered is also used to develop CCMH’s strategic plan. This ensures the hospital’s priorities align with the community’s needs.
“This process has been ongoing since 2013, following the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, and it demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. Nonetheless, healthcare providers can only do so much. While CCMH can offer resources and programs, such as those provided by registered dietitians and diabetes educators, individual behavior change is essential. The CHNA helps identify areas where education and support are needed, but ultimately, it’s up to each of us to take responsibility for our health.”
Addressing Unique Challenges
Ruskell is honest about the unique challenges faced by Crawford County.
“There is a growing population of older adults. This change in demographics puts additional pressure on the healthcare system. Along with that, Crawford County is experiencing a 17% poverty rate, and an 11% uninsured rate. Both of these statistics are the highest in the state of Iowa. These factors create complex barriers to accessing and maintaining good health. The CHNA helps us understand these challenges and develop targeted solutions.”
Your Participation Matters
To ensure the CHNA accurately reflects our community’s needs, CCMH is inviting your participation.
“The online survey, available on the CCMH Facebook page (CCMH Denison), takes only a few minutes to complete. It is completely confidential. It’s also available in Spanish, on the CCMH Facebook page and the LaPrensa Facebook page.”
Ruskell says participation in the survey is key to creating a successful CHNA plan.
“We’re aiming for 400-500 responses to ensure a representative sample of our community. As of now, we’re at approximately 110 responses, so we need your help to reach our goal. As an incentive, participants can enter a drawing for a $50 gift card.”
How to Get Involved
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Brandi Ruskell at bruskell@ccmhia.com or call 265-2547. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of healthcare in Crawford County. Let’s work together to build a healthier community for everyone.
