Key Takeaways from The Community Health Needs Assessment with The Kent County Health Department

WYCE's Community Connection (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

This week, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian, speaks with Maris Brummel, a Public Health Epidemiologist at the Kent County Health Department.

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) recently completed its latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), highlighting the most pressing health concerns as identified by county residents. The 2023 CHNA revealed four top areas of concern:

• Housing

• Health Insurance

• Access to Medical Care

• Access to Healthy Food

The Community Health Needs Assessment is conducted every three years, and is a collaborative effort supported by the KCHD and local health care system partners, including Corewell Health, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Pine Rest, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health West.

The 2020 CHNA identified mental health, access to health care, racial inequality, and economic security as the primary issues. This year’s assessment involved a broader and more diverse group of participants, thanks to the engagement efforts of nearly 80 partner organizations and community leaders. Over 5,000 Kent County residents contributed their insights through surveys and focus groups.

Online: The Kent County Health Department's Community Health Needs Assessment