CRH has released a survey on community health conducted from March to May 2024, showing significant engagement with over 1,058 participants. The report highlights both positive trends, like increased physical activity among children and low uninsured rates, and areas needing improvement, including rising obesity and mental health issues. The data will guide health initiatives through 2026-28.
Columbus Regional Health (CRH) recently unveiled the findings from its Community Health Needs Assessment, conducted from March to May 2024 through phone and online surveys. The report outlines the community’s mental, physical, and behavioral health status through anonymous input from over 1,058 participants, surpassing their goal of 1,000 responses and marking the highest engagement in the history of the survey. This triennial survey collects crucial data that enables CRH to pinpoint and tackle vital health concerns in the region. Conducted by the independent organization Professional Research Consultants (PRC), the assessment has been a staple since 1996, systematically gauging the health behavior and needs of the local population. The insights from this assessment will steer the initiatives of CRH and the Healthy Communities Initiative, aimed at boosting overall community wellness, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, and shaping the community health strategy for 2026-28. Positive trends observed in the survey indicate a decrease in barriers to medical care (41.2%), low uninsured rates (5.9%), and improved breast cancer screening rates (86.2%). Moreover, there is a remarkable rise in physically active children, with daily activity levels soaring from 42.8% in 2021 to 51.5% in 2024, far exceeding the national rate of 27.4%. Conversely, the survey also highlights areas requiring urgent attention: rising obesity rates at 46.1%, persistent mental health challenges including a shortage of providers, high depression rates, and significant suicide incidents. Substance misuse remains a pressing issue, though there are glimmers of hope as excessive drinking and unintentional drug-related deaths have seen declines. Yet, a significant number of respondents reported their lives negatively impacted by substance use. PRC has shared these findings with the Healthy Communities Council and CRH Leadership to strategize on local health improvements.
Understanding public health is essential for shaping effective healthcare strategies. Columbus Regional Health has undertaken a longitudinal analysis of community health needs to ensure that healthcare access is both adequate and equitable. This triennial effort, initiated in 1996, stands as a testament to CRH’s commitment to fostering a healthier community based on empirical research and direct local insight.
The Community Health Needs Assessment by CRH reveals both promising strides forward and areas needing urgent improvement. With a strong response rate and insightful data, CRH is poised to tackle pressing health issues such as obesity and mental health while celebrating successes in access to care and community engagement. This comprehensive evaluation serves as both a reflection and a roadmap for future community health initiatives.
Original Source: www.localnewsdigital.com
