Every 3 years, Wilkes County conducts a comprehensive community examination thorough the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) process. Wake Forest Baptist Health – Wilkes Medical Center proudly partnered with the Wilkes County Health Department and the Health Foundation to execute the 2016 Community Needs Assessment. This assessment will guide Wilkes Medical Center to improve the overall health and wellness of residents in Wilkes County over the next 3 years.
A community needs assessment identifies the strengths and resources available in the community to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. The assessment focuses on the capabilities of the community, including its citizens, agencies, and organizations. The best way to address community health planning is to identify health disparities, gaps and unmet needs alongside a balance of community needs, resources, strengths and perceptions. The 2016 Community Needs Assessment will help us align strategic priorities and evaluate additional opportunities to best improve the health in our community.
Community Needs Assessments seek to gather accurate information representative of the needs of a community. Assessments are performed prior to taking action and are used to determine current situations and identify issues for action, establishing the essential foundation for vital planning. The process is an invaluable tool for involving the public and stake holders in solving problems and developing goals. A needs assessment can be an excellent way for agencies, organizations, stakeholders and the community to become involved and contribute to the outcome.
Wilkes Medical Center has developed an action and implementation plan based on the quantitative and qualitative of the survey data. The action plan will focus on the following 3 priority areas identified in the 2016 Community Needs Assessment:
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Diabetes
- Stroke
For additional information, please contact Susan Bachmeier, CNO at Wilkes Medical Center at 336-651-8125.