The University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM Charles Regional) has released its updated Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), covering data from July 2023 to February 2024. This assessment, conducted every three years as mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), identifies ongoing and new health needs in Charles County. The findings will guide the community hospital and its partners, including the Charles County Department of Health and Partnerships for a Healthier Charles County, in setting objectives for the next three years.
Craig J. Renner, Director of Community Health, Marketing and Communications at UM Charles Regional, emphasized the importance of the CHNA. "The Community Health Needs Assessment is one of the best ways for us to measure the true health care and wellness needs of the residents of Charles County," Renner stated. Through various methods such as focus groups, surveys, and data analysis, the assessment pinpoints the county's most critical health issues and devises comprehensive plans to address them with community partners.
The assessment utilized a multi-faceted approach to gather data, which included an extensive online survey to gauge residents' perceptions of health, a shorter paper survey, discussions with community leaders and members, and a thorough review of existing data. This diverse method ensured a robust validation of the findings and encouraged community involvement in identifying and recommending solutions for health-related challenges.
Key goals of the 2024 CHNA include tackling social determinants of health, expanding healthcare access, and enhancing mental health services. The plan focuses on collaborative public health efforts and strategic initiatives, leveraging data-driven strategies and partnerships with local entities to decrease health disparities and promote preventive care. Part of the strategy involves community engagement, education, and allocating resources to assist vulnerable populations.
The full 2024 Charles County Community Health Needs Assessment is available for public access at UMCharlesRegional.org/community/CHNA, where previous assessments and related plans can also be found.
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