(ST. JOSEPH) – Spectrum Health Lakeland recently launched the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) which will provide an in-depth analysis of the health needs of Berrien, and parts of Cass and Van Buren counties. Community members are encouraged to complete the online survey by December 31 and share their opinions regarding the following topics:
The CHNA and its associated Implementation Strategy (IS), which is required of tax-exempt hospitals under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), helps to ensure that hospitals have the information needed to effectively meet the health needs of the communities they serve. This includes information that informs and directs the allocation of the hospital’s community benefit resources, as well as the resources of other community entities responsible for the health and welfare of the community.
“It’s important for health systems to assess the health needs of the communities they serve, not just the patients who walk into their buildings,” said Lynn Todman, PhD, Executive Director of Population Health, Spectrum Health Lakeland. “Feedback from community members will help us understand the health-related needs of southwest Michigan residents, and guide how we work with our community partners to address them.”
For more information, or to complete the survey, visit www.lakelandhealth.org/chna