Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has begun its latest Community Health Needs Assessment. Officials encourage community members to fill out the survey, which will measure public opinion about the county’s top health challenges and how to improve those areas.
“We want to hear from everyone in our community. Your input is critical in identifying the most important health issues facing our region. By sharing your experiences and concerns, you’re helping us create strategies to address them and improve overall health outcomes,” said Dr. Jim Tidwell, vice-president of population health for Owensboro Health.
Surveys are completely anonymous and take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed here. Some of the questions include topics about access to healthcare services, health challenges for each household and the community at large, factors for a healthy community, substance abuse, and more.
“Our focus extends beyond individual health concerns. We recognize the impact of social factors, including transportation, housing, education, and food insecurity, on health outcomes. Our goal is to ensure equitable access to healthcare and necessary resources, promoting the well-being of every individual,” Tidwell said. “What we learn from this survey helps us determine where and how we invest in our community, so your responses really do make a difference.”
Additional steps, including focus groups and the gathering of statistical data, will follow in the weeks ahead.
The Affordable Care Act, passed by Congress in 2010, requires health systems to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment every three years.
