Subject:

Community Health Needs Assessment

Acommunity health needs assessment(sometimes called a CHNA), refers to a state, tribal, local, or territorial health assessment that identifies key health needs and issues through systematic, comprehensive data collection and analysis.

The assignment:

A newly appointed CEO promotes you to the Chief Strategy Officer position for a 300 bed acute care community hospital.The CEO comes from the for-profit sector and has never been involved in the development of a CHNA.He is requesting you take the lead in this project but wants you to prepare a not to exceed three (3) page memorandum to him that will include the following components:

• What is the purpose of a CHNA?
• What are the key elements contained in a CHNA?
• Summarize the steps involved in developing a CHNA.
• Summarize your recommended plan for the development of a CHNA.

The document you prepare for the CEO will not only educate him as to this project but allow him to speak informatively to key stakeholders who may be included as a participant in this project.