Hospitals join forces to address health needs

Statewide collaboration seeks input from residents, leaders . . .

Hospital systems throughout Indiana are working together to assess the health needs of their communities by asking Hoosiers to take a survey.

Community Health Network, Community Healthcare System, Deaconess Health System, Franciscan Health, Gibson General Hospital, Hendricks Regional Health, Indiana University Health, Methodist Hospitals, North Central Health Services, Riverview Health and St. Vincent in collaboration with The University of Evansville are included in a statewide collaborative, which will begin targeting communities in 39 counties to find out what residents feel are the most important issues that impact their health and well-being.

Throughout the month of April, My Community Health Needs Assessment surveys will be mailed to more than 80,000 randomly selected Indiana addresses. The survey, which takes only 10-15 minutes to complete, includes a range of questions about health care access, perception of social services and what health issues are in need of improvement. Click here to see a sample survey.

In addition, public service announcements will begin running in television and radio markets where the surveys are mailed encouraging participation in the My Community Health Needs Assessment survey.

Click here to view the PSA or click here to listen to the audio version.

The opinions and other information compiled from the survey will be used by local hospitals and other healthcare organizations to determine where resources and services are most in need throughout the state. Healthcare officials will also gain a better understanding from the survey on how to fashion state and local health programs to best address pressing issues such as opioid abuse, infant mortality, and tobacco addiction.

The community health needs assessment is conducted every three years as directed by the federal government.