In June 2015, Clarke County Public Health collaborated with Clarke County Hospital and launched an initiative to better understand the health needs of the community.
This process included conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to provide statistical data of the community’s health status. A collaborative approach was utilized through meetings and discussions.
There were 422 members of the community who participated in the survey and these results will be used to help decide what area to focus on in developing a Health Improvement Plan.
On Oct. 1, the first community forum was held at Osceola Senior Center to review the results of the survey. There was a total of 18 members of the community who attended the meeting.
Throughout a two hour period many topics concerning Clarke County were identified in the survey and discussed among the group as needs in the county. The top five needs identified were obesity, mental health services, dental services for Medicaid patients, drugs and substance abuse services and medical services with difficulty obtaining appointments.
Another meeting has been scheduled 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Clarke County Hospital Administration building in the board room. Additional discussion is needed to choose the main concerns to be addressed in the 2015 Health Improvement Plan for Clarke County.
Make sure to attend this meeting. It is valuable to have any and all ideas for this discussion.