Major Themes and Inferences From the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for the County of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Background/Significance:

Community health needs assessments (CHNA) are conducted by nonprofit hospitals and health systems every three years. There is not a standardized methodology or reporting structure on how to conduct a CHNA yet each cycle organizations survey the communities they serve trying to identify where areas of concern are regarding health factors, issues, and outcomes. The work in conducting the surveys and evaluating this information is a result of collaboration between nonprofit health systems, local health departments (LHDs), and community organizations.

Purpose:

While this assessment is required as part of provisions described in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the data collected can provide important directions for community-based efforts to improve health and as a method of tracking the health needs of a community over time.

Methods:

Information gleaned from the community came in two different formats: qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative data were collected from interviews and focus groups for a variety of community groups while the quantitative data were collected via a survey that could be taken online or with paper copy. The survey data was a convenience sample for respondents within the county.

Results:

The analysis identified five major themes for concern that were supported by both qualitative and quantitative responses. Chronic disease, maternal and infant health, mental health, substance use, and violence.

Conclusion:

Nonprofit health systems, LHDs, community organizations, and research focusing on the geographic region where CHNAs are conducted can benefit from using this data to inform interventions and initiatives to improve the health of their respective communities.