Area health care providers are again partnering together to better understand the health needs and issues that Northeast Georgians face when making healthy life choices. Northeast Georgia Medical Center, District 2 Public Health, Stephens County Hospital, Habersham Medical Center and Good News Clinics are conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) online survey.
The survey, conducted every three years, helps provide a snapshot of the region’s latest health profile and healthcare barriers. This assessment is then used to help guide the focus and development of future programs.
The survey is simple and easy to complete online at www.nghs.com/community-survey and will be open to anyone in the community until March 22.
“We invite everyone to participate in this short survey, which is truly invaluable in helping us understand the growing needs of our community,” says Phillippa Lewis Moss, NGMC Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Regional CHNA. “The information we gather informs NGHS, CHNA partners, and other community leaders where to direct community health improvement efforts.”
Dr. Monica Newton, Co-Chair of the Regional CHNA, agrees that the feedback gathered leads to improvements in the health of the entire region.
“The Community Health Needs Assessment is both a mirror and a rudder to guide hospitals in forming partnerships that make the biggest impact on the health of the community,” Newton explains.
Healthcare providers say information from this study will be used to formulate specific plans to improve health in the region. Results will be available to anyone interested in using them for long and short-range planning.
The 2019 CHNA led to collaborative efforts toward improving mental healthcare in the region.
“A significant part of the assessment is community input,” says Moss. “Although the CHNA will include data and statistics from community health resources, it is important to us to know what community members feel are the key health needs, especially those of our most vulnerable populations.”
Responses are kept anonymous with a composite report. For those who would like to be included (and are willing to provide their name and contact information), there will also be a drawing for a free one-year YMCA membership.
For more information about the CHNA and to complete the survey, click here.
