Community Health Needs Assessment
What is a Community Health Needs Assessment?
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Every 3 to 5 years, communities, including Rawlins County, conduct something called a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The CHNA is like a big health check-up for the community, helping us figure out what’s working well and what needs improvement.
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Why Do We Do This?
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The CHNA isn’t just about checking a box for the government. It’s about making sure that everyone in the community can live a healthier, happier life. The survey looks at all parts of healthcare, including hospitals, dental clinics, health centers, and even other community groups. The idea is to work together and tackle the biggest challenges, whether that’s access to doctors, affordable dental care, mental health services, or something else.
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How Does It Work?
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Step 1: We ask a wide range of people in the community about their health needs. This helps us understand what’s missing and what people need the most.
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Step 2: We gather information about resources that could help, such as local clinics, programs, or even partnerships with other organizations.
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Step 3: We create a plan to make things better. Sometimes that means new programs, more staff, or better funding for services.
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Why Does This Matter?
By doing these assessments, we get a clear picture of what people need to live healthier lives. It’s not just about identifying problems—it’s about finding real solutions. Whether it’s better dental care, mental health support, or community wellness programs, the CHNA helps us remove barriers and make sure everyone has access to the care they deserve.
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The Rawlins County 2020-2021 CHNA has been our latest effort to understand our community’s needs. From there, we’ve been working on a plan to make improvements that really matter.
Healthier communities start with better understanding—together, we can make it happen!
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