Findings from Latest Community Health Needs Assessment Released
Published 12/10/2024 8:19:06 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024
(Des Moines, IA) The Central Iowa CHNA Planning Committee is proud to release the findings from the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). This comprehensive assessment is the result of a collaborative effort among leading health organizations and community partners to better understand and address the health needs of residents in Dallas, Polk, and Warren counties.
Key Participating Organizations:
Broadlawns Medical Center ● Dallas County Health Department ● EveryStep ● Greater Des Moines Partnership ● MercyOne ● Mid-Iowa Health Foundation ● Polk County Health Department ● Primary Health Care ● United Way of Central Iowa ● UnityPoint Health – Des Moines ● Warren County Health Department
The CHNA was conducted over a four-month period, collecting data through community stakeholder meetings, primary and secondary data analysis, nearly 3,000 completed surveys via online platforms, landlines and cellphones. The findings highlight critical areas of opportunity for improving community health in the following areas:
- Access to health services
- Chronic disease management
- Mental health and substance abuse
- Sexual health
- Injury and violence prevention
- Addressing social determinants of health, including housing, food security, and financial stability
“These responses offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face as a community,” says Chris McCarthy, Community Health Project Manager at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “This assessment enables us to direct our resources to the areas that matter most, ensuring an equitable and effective response. We are grateful to our community partners who made this initiative possible.”
The findings from the CHNA will guide local health organizations in developing implementation plans to help shape policies, investments and priorities. Additionally, the findings will serve as a critical resource for community-based organizations and leaders to create a healthier future for all central Iowans.
In Good Health CHNA Regional Plan
The CHNA findings also informed the development of the In Good Health CHNA Regional Plan, crafted by the CHNA Planning Committee. This plan outlines actionable steps to address three priority areas and align with work already occurring within the community. They include:
- Housing: Increase access to affordable housing options in the tri-county area.
- Food Security: Reduce the percentage of central Iowa residents identified as food insecure.
- Financial Stability: Increase the percentage of central Iowa residents who can respond to an unexpected $400 emergency expense.
“This plan identifies clear, actionable steps to address critical priorities that impact the overall well-being of our community,” says Dr. Nalo Johnson, President and CEO of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. “By focusing on affordable housing, food security and financial stability, we aim to create meaningful and measurable progress and ensure all community members can thrive in our region.”
The complete CHNA report, executive summary and the In Good Health Regional Plan are available to the public at polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/about-us/community-health-needs-assessment/.
Listen In
Learn more about the CHNA and efforts taking place to address the needs identified by the report by listening to By the Numbers: A Public Health Podcast by the Polk County Health Department. A three-episode series will focus on the key priorities: Financial Stability, Housing, and Food Security. The first episode about the CHNA and Financial Stability is available at bythenumbers.buzzsprout.com.
Help Plan
The Dallas County Health Department will be hosting a Community Health Planning Workshop on December 12 at the Dallas County Law Enforcement Center. To be part of the planning, reserve a spot at Dallas County Community Health Planning Workshop Tickets, Thu, Dec 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite
Join the Conversation
Community members, healthcare providers, policymakers and other stakeholders are invited to review the findings and engage in efforts to enhance community well-being. For more information about the CHNA or the In Good Health Regional Plan, please contact Chris McCarthy at christopher.mccarthy@unitypoint.org.
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For more information:
Addie Olson, Public Health Communications Officer
Polk County Health Department
515.286.3848 (office) × 515.782.7236 (cell)