In an effort to gauge and enhance the health of Carter County, King’s Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) and the Carter County Health Department held a pivotal community event last Wednesday. This gathering of health-conscious individuals aimed to identify pressing health needs, fostering a discussion on how to best address and improve local health care. Scott Hill and Diva Justice from KDMC facilitated this event, gathering crucial feedback for their Community Health Needs Assessment.
Scott Hill shared that previous similar events in Boyd and Greenup Counties had provided valuable insights, and he anticipated that input from Carter County would refine their understanding of regional health care requirements. “I think the biggest thing is collaboration,” Hill articulated, emphasising the power of community unity in solving health issues. The open forum format offered many surprising discoveries, with attendees shedding light on existing health services that were largely unknown to those who needed them.
During the session, Hill and Justice meticulously recorded participant feedback on whiteboards, inviting attendees to prioritise the most critical health concerns. In the category of ‘what does healthy look like,’ attendees highlighted key needs such as the establishment of a YMCA, improved food access, affordable housing, and resources for individuals with autism. The call for an emergency room (ER) or hospital services in Carter and Elliot Counties resonated strongly, ranking second on the list.
Further identifying the community’s pressing health needs, the group voiced concerns regarding dental care, therapy access, and resource availability. An ER facility stood out as the top priority with 19 votes, while the YMCA and a comprehensive resource awareness list followed closely behind. Senior and inmate services also gained attention, each garnering seven votes, accentuating the diverse health challenges faced within the community.
The event also addressed essential components required for health improvement. Collaboration and educational initiatives emerged as pivotal actions with a tie of 16 votes, showcasing their fundamental role in elevating community health. Other needs identified included enhancing infrastructure and securing additional budgetary resources to foster better health outcomes.
This exercise in prioritising health needs revealed a significant demand for both new services, like an ER, and an increased awareness of existing support structures available to the community. The results will help healthcare providers tailor their strategies to facilitate and promote improved health and wellbeing for all residents of Carter County.
King’s Daughters Medical Center and Carter County Health Department held an event to identify community health needs. Scott Hill highlighted collaboration’s power in addressing healthcare issues. Key priorities included establishing a YMCA, an ER, improving food access, and raising awareness of available resources. The assessment will guide future healthcare strategies for Carter County residents.
The community event hosted by KDMC and the Carter County Health Department successfully identified key healthcare needs in the area. Priorities included establishing an ER, enhanced educational resources, and collaboration among healthcare providers. These insights will guide efforts to improve health services and increase awareness of existing resources, aiming for a healthier future for Carter County residents.
Original Source: cartercountytimes.com
