In 2013, Chester County Hospital leaders were active participants in Chester County's Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). The RoadMAPP to Health project was conducted for the entire county, and as a result there is now an ongoing effort to focus on healthy lifestyles and opportunities to provide medical services where they are needed.
The main goal of the 18-month assessment for the 36 participating health service providers was to create a community where partners assure conditions in which individuals can be healthy and where residents are empowered to manage their own health.
RoadMAPP captured health information and feedback from Pottstown to Landenberg, from Devon to Atglen, from Nottingham to Phoenixville, and from Elverson to Chadds Ford.
STRATEGIC QUESTIONS
As a result of the health assessment survey, five work groups consisting of representatives from community-based
organizations and agencies are implementing the recommendations of the assessment and developing initiatives to
advance the health of the community. They are finding solutions for the following questions:
- How can the community expand the concept of cultural competence to ensure access and use of services, including early prenatal care and health screenings?
- How can the community partner to provide a seamless, highly coordinated network of services that address anindividual's physical and behavioral health issues?
- How can the community increase awareness of and education about health and social services to help residents meet their basic needs?
- How can the community encourage and support individuals to take action in their own health management and well-being, including prevention?
- How can community leaders help create supportive environments to ensure the health and safety of their communities?
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Based on the CHNA findings, the hospital developed its own Implementation Plan identifying the specific steps it will take and the level of resources it will commit to maintain and improve the health of Chester County. Specifically, there were seven key findings in the health survey that the hospital will play an active role, either as a thought leader or collaborating health resource.
KEY FINDINGS
- Pregnant Hispanic and African American women seek prenatal care later in their pregnancy compared to Caucasian women.
- Based on input from the Hispanic community, the health care and social service system across the county has too few Spanish-speaking health care providers and translators.
- Cancer incidence rates for melanomas, breast cancer and prostate cancer are statistically higher in Chester County than in Pennsylvania.
- While the percentage of overweight adults in Chester County is lower than the statewide average (56% vs. 64%), the rate still remains high.
- Respondents to the survey rated "substance abuse" and "mental health problems" as the top two greatest health problems facing the community. Alcohol and drug abuse and obesity were rated as the top three riskiest behaviors.
- Alcohol use among high school students remains high.
- The community would benefit from a centralized repository of all available health and social services that is easily accessible and well publicized.