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ACH Mahoning Valley Completes Needs Assessment
BOARDMAN, Ohio -- Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley recently completed a community health needs assessment, the data from which should help the hospital system set priorities and guide its efforts over the next three years.
Working with the Kent State University College of Public Health, the hospital reviewed a wide variety of epidemiologic data for Columbiana, Trumbull and Mahoning counties. Additional information was obtained from focus groups and interviews with community leaders and public-health experts.
“The input that was provided by these focus groups and community leaders helped to reinforce the data that was gathered,” said Sharon Hrina, vice president of the hospital in a prepared statement. “This collaborative effort will allow us to work with other organizations to improve many of the health disparities in our community.”
A steering committee composed of members from the hospital directed the effort that began last April.
The following were among the health needs identified as priorities for adults and children:
- Chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes.
- Maternal and infant health, such as premature births and infant mortality.
- Child lifestyle factors, such as obesity, lack of exercise and poor nutrition.
- Mental health concerns for children.
- Substance abuse, including opiate drugs.
- Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea.
- Access to health care, including health-insurance coverage and access to pediatric specialists.
- Environmental factors, including access to nutritious food.
Based on the findings, the hospital is developing plans and setting goals. Some will be collaborative, Hrina said, adding that the assessment provides an opportunity to look at the needs of the community and develop strategies to meet them.
This is the second time the hospital conducted a community health needs assessment; the first was in 2010. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires nonprofit hospitals to conduct community health needs assessments every three years.
“Whether this is a mandated activity or not, I know those of us at Akron Children’s believe this is part of our mission -- to listen to and learn from the community,” Bill Considine, president and CEO of Akron Children’s, said in the prepared statement.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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