2019 - 2021 MiHIA Regional Community Health Needs Assessment
The Path and Plan for Regional Well-Being
To download a copy of the RCHNA, click here
To learn more about the RCHNA, or to partner with MiHIA, email admin@mihia.org
About the RCHNA
The Regional Community Health Needs Assessment (RCHNA) contains a consistent methodology and standardized process, which includes data collection/analysis, asset mapping, community input, prioritization of the issues, an evidence-based action plan, and a measurement/evaluation process. This was accomplished through stakeholder engagement and a commitment to develop a core set of standardized needs assessment element and performance measures that are utilized throughout the region. MiHIA’s Population Health Strategy team identified it a priority to develop a regional Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Improvement Plan (CHIP), and began development of both in 2017. This was made possible by the newly enhanced Health Dashboard 4.0 which allows for a standardized format for individual county health assessments and improvement plans.
In September 2018, the Population Health Strategy Team completed the assessment process through its review, analysis of findings, and determination of two focus areas. The results from the RCHNA were used to develop the Regional Community Health Improvement Plan (RCHIP) and to address the top two health priorities in the region.
Why is the RCHNA Important?
Across MiHIA’s region, a dozen different data-collection platforms are utilized to assess community needs, health outcomes, and barriers to creating healthy communities. Estimates provided from 8 of MiHIA’s 14 counties show that we’re spending upwards of $216,000 to complete by each county, three-year, Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA).
As a region, we were duplicating data collection efforts at an individual level and spending thousands of dollars more than needed when we could be collaborating more efficiently. Additionally, we commonly heard requests from the very entities currently seeking data that MiHIA needed to orchestrate a regional CHNA, with a coordinating improvement plan, outlining the information and actions that each organization can take to positive effect our communities.